Fred Winter was a man whose name will always mean a lot in the world of British horse racing.
He had a long and memorable career, first as a rider and later as a trainer, collecting trophies and awards that most can only dream of.
His record in the Grand National stands out the most: he is famous for being the only person to win that race as both a jockey and a trainer.
This fact alone places him in a special category, but his larger story is just as captivating.
Early Life and Initial Steps in Racing
Fred Winter was born on September 20, 1926, in Hampshire, England and with a strong racing influence in the family, he became interested in horses from a young age.
During his teenage years, his enthusiasm for riding was noticed by trainers who recognised his natural talent.
The racing world has always been extremely competitive, with strong emphasis on ability, stamina, and bravery and Winter displayed these traits in spades.
Even in his early days, he was known for being calm and having total focus on a horse’s stride and rhythm, giving him an advantage in jump races.
Winter’s skill on the track became clearer throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Though times were tough in post-war Britain, racing thrived, with jump racing drawing large crowds.
Winter was a key figure in these meets, and he picked up a series of wins that helped raise his profile.
He was champion jockey four times, achievements that testify to his dedication, sturdy mindset, and refined riding style.
Many fans recall that Fred Winter’s technique was a blend of well-timed aggression and cool assessment of the race’s changing scenario.
Even in challenging conditions—high winds, muddy ground, or stiff fences—he rarely seemed rattled. He knew when to press forward and when to hold back.
1957 Grand National Victory as a Jockey
In 1957, Fred Winter earned his biggest riding triumph. He guided a horse named Sundew to victory in the Grand National.
Before 1957, Winter had come close to winning on several occasions, yet triumph had eluded him. Sundew, trained by Frank Hudson, was seen as a strong contender, though not the outright favourite.
As the race started, Sundew settled into a steady rhythm, jumping the fences without major errors. Winter judged the pace carefully.
After the field began to thin out – thanks to refusals, falls, or horses simply running out of steam – Sundew still had reserves of energy.
Approaching the last part of the race, Winter pushed forward, and Sundew responded with a strong finish. They crossed the line first in the ultimate riding triumph.
Winning the Grand National as a jockey is a highlight few experience, and for Fred Winter, it was a defining moment that confirmed him as one of the era’s finest riders.
Other Victories and Riding Achievements
While the Grand National triumph in 1957 was the standout moment of his riding career, Fred Winter was not done yet.
He also won the 1962 Grand National on board Kilmore for trainer Ryan Price.
With the odds stacked against them – he was a 12-year-old horse, up against two former National winners and a Gold Cup winner – the duo went off at 28/1.
Though the win surprised many, it didn't come as a shock to Winter who said after the race: “I can't understand why none of you didn't tip him? After last year I knew he would win. I'm getting too old to enjoy these things.”
Aside from Aintree, Fred Winter also secured wins in top-level events at Cheltenham, including the acclaimed Gold Cup twice.
The first win as on board Saffron Tartan in 1961, followed by Mandarin in 1962.
His skill also showed during tests over hurdles, and was recognised as one of the best all-around riders of his generation.
He won the Champion Hurdle three times as a jockey on Clair Soleil in 1955, Fare Time in 1959 and Eborneezer in 1961.
During these years, Winter sustained his share of injuries—broken bones and bruises were common in his line of work. Yet he always returned to the saddle after recovery, keen to keep riding at the highest level.
By 1964, Winter had decided that his time as a jockey was nearing an end. The physical toll and the desire for a new direction in racing encouraged him to take out a trainer’s license.
He retired from the saddle with enormous respect from both racing insiders and the public.
Transition to Training
When Winter stepped away from professional riding, many believed he would prove successful in training as well.
He had an in-depth understanding of horses’ quirks, course conditions, and the right type of preparation for big races.
In 1964, he opened his yard at Uplands in Lambourn, a location that proved ideal for building a top-tier training operation.
Winter’s yard quickly attracted owners who wanted a trainer known for discipline, dedication, and a great eye for detail.
He paid close attention to feeding routines, fitness schedules, and targeted schooling over fences. He also insisted on matching each horse to suitable races, which led to some high-profile wins early in his training career.
Grand National Success as a Trainer
Within a year of beginning his training career, Fred Winter was already making headlines.
The pinnacle of any National Hunt trainer’s resume is the Grand National, and Winter’s success in that sphere matched his earlier achievements as a jockey.
In 1965, Winter trained Jay Trump to win the Grand National. Jay Trump had gained a reputation in the United States before moving to Britain.
Winter worked carefully with this horse, focusing on stamina, jumping technique, and overall race strategy.
The day of the race, jockey Tommy Smith gave Jay Trump a patient ride, keeping the horse within striking distance.
Over the final fences and on the run-in, Winter’s horse showed grit to hold off the late challengers, handing Winter his first Grand National victory as a trainer.
Just one year later, Winter repeated the feat by training Anglo, who seized the 1966 Grand National in the hands of jockey Tim Norman.
Anglo was not the favourite, but Winter had him in excellent shape, and the horse overcame the uncertainties that Aintree presents.
This second triumph secured Winter’s position in racing history: he had now captured the Grand National as both a jockey and a trainer – a distinction that remains unmatched even today.
Other Major Honours
Fred Winter’s training prowess extended well beyond the Grand National. Over the years, he trained Midnight Court, winner of the 1978 Gold Cup, among many other marquee events.
One of his most famous charges was Crisp, a bold-jumping Australian steeplechaser. Crisp nearly captured the 1973 Grand National, carrying top weight and establishing a huge lead, only to be caught by Red Rum in the final strides.
Despite Crisp’s narrow defeat, the horse’s performance became an iconic moment in National Hunt racing. Winter was admired for turning Crisp into one of the best chasers of that era.
Many of the stable’s triumphs occurred at the Cheltenham Festival, the crown jewel of National Hunt racing.
Winter sent out 28 Cheltenham Festival winners, showing that he excelled across a variety of distances and course conditions.
Why Fred Winter is a Legend
Fred Winter’s place in racing history is assured by his one-of-a-kind Grand National record. Yet there is more to his legacy than that one achievement.
For decades, he represented the commitment, tenacity, and constant hard work that successful jockeys and trainers must embrace.
His stable turned out champion after champion, and he brought out the best in many different types of horse.
Rivals spoke of how Winter set a gold standard for training. He demonstrated that an analytical mind and a keen sense of strategy could take a horse from an average performer to a top-level runner.
In addition, Winter’s calm and dignified manner left a big mark on those who worked with him. He was demanding but fair, always striving to boost performance.
The people who apprenticed under him, whether riders or stable staff, often went on to enjoy success of their own, carrying the lessons learned at Uplands with them.
He also helped broaden the public’s interest in jump racing. His exploits kept the spotlight on the sport and energised fans.
Later Years and Passing
As time wore on, Winter eased himself out of the training spotlight. By the mid-to-late 1980s, he began handing over responsibilities to a younger generation, although he remained a respected figure in racing circles.
He passed away on April 5, 2004, at the age of 77. His death sparked a wave of tributes from trainers, jockeys, owners, and racing fans, all of whom recognised that an influential figure had left the stage.
Over the years, plaques and memorials have been placed in various locations, including at racecourses and training centres where Fred Winter made his mark.
Despite the passing of time, his feats still resonate: the jockey-turned-trainer who claimed the world’s most famous steeplechase on both sides of the training fence.
Fred Winter will always be remembered as a riding and training giant. His life shines as a story of skill, grit, and respect for the animals he worked with.
From his first triumphs as a young rider to his final days as an old master of the training craft, Winter remained true to the values that made him such a respected name.
More than a century on from his birth, his record endures as a symbol of outstanding quality, and he stands as a legend whose feats will be talked about for years to come.
