Hywel Davies (jockey) Hywel Davies (jockey) Hywel Davies is a retired Welsh professional National Hunt jockey. He rode for 16 years with 761 wins in the UK and he ended his riding career in 1994. Davies is a Welsh speaker and didn't speak English until he was 7 years of age. He attended Cardigan Comprehensive School from 1969 until 1975. Davies was the retained jockey for Tim Forster for 8 years at his Letcombe Bassett stables near Lambourn in Berkshire. He became a freelance jockey and rode for several other trainers like Josh Gifford and Nicky Henderson. He won the 1985 Grand National
1985 Grand National on BBC. Those who questioned the ability of the two favourites turned instead to champion jockey John Francome who would partner 8/1 chance Drumlargen. The horse had been third in the previous year's Cheltenham Gold Cup while speculation was rife that this would be Francome's last attempt at the National, having so far never won the race. Despite being given top weight of 11 stones 10 lbs, Corbiere was by now something of a housewive's favourite at 9/1, having followed victory in the race in 1983 by finishing third in 1984. This year he would be deprived of his partner