Champions (1984 film) Champions (1984 film) Champions is a 1984 film based on the true story of jockey Bob Champion. It is directed by John Irvin, produced by Peter Shaw, written by Evan Jones, and stars John Hurt, Edward Woodward and Jan Francis. The film is based on the true story of Bob Champion (portrayed by John Hurt), who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1979. After treatment with an operation to remove the diseased testicle and chemotherapy, Champion recovered and went on to win the 1981 Grand National on Aldaniti. In 1984, John Irvin was nominated for a Golden Bear Award at
Evan Williams (jockey) Evan Williams (jockey) Evan Morgan Williams (9 May 1912 – 12 July 2001) was a horse racing jockey born in Cowbridge, Wales, in 1912. He won the 1937 Grand National on Royal Mail, and he won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1936 (on Golden Miller) and 1940 (on Roman Hackle). Evan Williams' father, Fred, was an amateur jockey. After service in the armed forces during the Second World War, he became a trainer and won the first running of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in 1951 (with Supreme Court). He later relocated to Ireland, and died on