The trademark smile was missing when this one was snapped at the races. Somebody must have been standing on his toe!
Ron recalls the telegram he received from famous Irish trainer Paddy Prendergast offering him a stable retainer.
He remembers his early months in Ireland and an Irish 2000 Guineas win on Kythnos to get the ball rolling.
Ron looks back on a successful Royal Ascot week in 1960, and a surprise offer from one of England’s most high profile owners.
He pays tribute to the loyalty of the Duke Of Norfolk who retained him for seventeen years.
Ron looks back on the day he was able to deliver the Duke’s dearest wish - a win in the Ascot Gold Cup.
“Hutchy” pays tribute to British racing legends John Dunlop, Harry Wragg and Lester Piggot.
He looks back on his greatest racing disappointment. He expected to be on Charlottown in the 1966 Epsom Derby but lost the ride to fellow Australian Scobie Breasley.
Ron explains that he almost certainly could have ridden Shirley Heights in the 1978 Epsom Derby, but had decided to retire at the end of 1977.
He remembers his pride in donning the Royal colours. His very first ride for the Queen was a winner at Lingfield.
Ron remembers his excitement when Balmerino arrived in England. He identified the talented New Zealander as the horse to bring down the curtain on his career.
He remembers that tempting offers delayed his retirement.
Ron looks back on his final 3 seasons of riding in Malaysia/Singapore. He won another premiership before retiring at 53.
He reflects on many a race fall in 33 years of riding, but admits that he was one of the luckier ones.
We reminisce about a lovely night I shared with Ron and Norma Hutchinson at their Surrey home in 1973. He confesses he was always bringing friends home for dinner at short notice.
(Banner image - Ron proudly sported the Royal colours to win the 1966 Goodwood Cup on Gaulois for Her Majesty and trainer Capt. Boyd-Rochfort.)
Ron was thrilled to win the historic St. Leger at Doncaster on Intermezzo 1969. The colt was trained by former champion jockey Harry Wragg.
The complete professional package! Ron rode 3000 winners including 1000 in Europe.
The famous Hutchinson grin is never far away - image courtesy Australian Racing Museum.
One third of Ron’s 3000 winners were posted in Europe.
What a pool of talent! From left - Garnet Bougoure, George Moore, Scobie Breasley, Ron Hutchinson and Bill Williamson before an Invitation Stakes in Melbourne early 50s - image courtesy Australian Racing Museum.
Ron spent 3 seasons in Malaysia, Singapore at the end of his career. He won a premiership before retiring at age 53.
Ron enjoys nothing more than talking racing with old friends.