Wayne Hutchinson
Wayne Hutchinson is a national hunt jockey who is employed at trainer Alan King’s yard where he rides out alongside other fantastic jockeys such as Robert ‘Choc’ Thornton and Sam Thomas.
Unlike many other jockeys who’ve had roots in horse racing, Hutchinson is a postman’s son. He learnt his trade from two former greats in the shape of Stan Mellor and Jeff King, before heading to King at Barbury in the summer of 2002.
Destined to become one of the game’s leading players, this will be his fifth Grand National having already lined up in 2007 on Tikram but was unseated at the 1st, in 2009 on Darkness where he steered him home to 13th place and again in 2010 on the much fancied Eric’s Charm but fell at the 1st and in 2012 when he went off on West End Rocker before falling at the second.
Now a confident and mature jockey, he is not only an excellent back-up to the Barbury stable jockey Thornton but has, on occasion been used by other trainers including Jim Old and Ian Williams.
In some ways, Hutchinson shouldn’t even have been on board West End Rocker in 2012 but first jockey Rob Thornton broke his arm in December 2011 and Wayne took over the reins, so to speak. He was trainer Alan King’s only horse in the race and despite being one of the punters favourites, he didn’t get very far into the course before he fell and was out at fence number 2!
The 2012-2013 season was one of the best for Hutchinson who managed 38 wins from 304 runs which is a 13% win rate and including over 100 places he earned connections in excess of £735K.
This included his fantastic win in the Scottish Grand National when on board Godsmejudge on April 20th 2013.
For the 2014 Crabbies Grand National, Wayne Hutchinson will be on board Alan Kings only remaining entry, Walkon, after Godsmejudge was withdrawn from contention.
