Willie Carson, one of the most successful jockeys in Royal Ascot history, reflected on his career and the enduring allure of the prestigious meeting ahead of this year’s event. Over a distinguished riding career spanning several decades, Carson amassed 56 winners at Royal Ascot, a venue renowned as one of the sport’s pinnacles alongside the Derby and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Carson, now 83, spoke about the intense pressure and excitement that accompanied the Royal meeting, where jockeys compete not only before large crowds but also in front of members of the British royal family. “There was pressure, all jockeys feel pressure at Royal Ascot,” he said. “But the adrenaline’s running and that helps. I would always try and keep calm, but I would try and excite the others in the weighing room.” The jockey described the importance of maintaining composure amid sheer anticipation and the weight of expectations from powerful owners and a global audience.

Carson’s success story at Ascot began in 1971 with Celtic Cone’s decisive win in the Ascot Stakes and included three Gold Cup victories. He also rode some of the fastest and most celebrated horses, including Danehill and Dayjur. Reflecting on Dayjur, Carson said the horse was “the fastest horse I ever rode and I reckon he was the fastest horse anyone ever rode,” despite the infamous moment at the 1990 Breeders’ Cup when Dayjur jumped a shadow and lost a probable victory.

Among his career highlights, Carson cites the 1979 Royal meeting when he won the Ribblesdale Stakes on Expansive and the Queen’s Vase on Buttress on the same day, bringing a double victory for the Queen. “When you put those Royal silks on and you walked out into the paddock, you felt like you were a Royal,” he recalled. “Chatting to the Queen and Prince Philip, it’s basically what kids would dream about… The Queen was such a wonderful person to ride for.”

Carson’s era was marked by intense competition with some of the sport’s greatest jockeys, including Lester Piggott, who holds the record for the most Royal Ascot winners with 116. The rivalry was keen but amicable, with Carson recalling a particularly close finish in the 1984 King’s Stand Stakes, where his victory aboard Habibti was confirmed after a lengthy photo finish against Piggott on Anita’s Prince.

Following his riding career, Carson transitioned to broadcasting, becoming a familiar face alongside Clare Balding during BBC’s racing coverage from 1998 until 2012. He credits their partnership with helping to launch Balding’s successful television career, while candidly admitting that he found riding more natural than punditry.

Looking ahead to this year’s Royal Ascot, Carson expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming St James’s Palace Stakes. Having witnessed Bow Echo’s recent victory in the 2,000 Guineas, he is optimistic about the colt’s prospects, despite the absence of the French Guineas winner. “My heart’s telling me that Bow Echo is going to do it, and I think he’ll do it well,” he said.

As Royal Ascot unfolds, Carson’s reflections underscore both the history and ongoing excitement of one of horse racing’s most iconic events.