Official Website
Carl Llewellyn Jump Jockey
Two-time Grand National Winner · Welsh National Hunt Legend
Enter Site Photography by Steve Davis · SDPhotos.co.uk
Official Website
Two-time Grand National Winner · Welsh National Hunt Legend
Enter Site Photography by Steve Davis · SDPhotos.co.ukCarl Harries Llewellyn is one of National Hunt racing's most celebrated figures — a two-time Grand National winner whose career was defined by courage, skill, and an extraordinary partnership with trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies.
Born on 29 July 1965 in Pembroke Dock, Pembrokeshire, Wales, Carl grew up on his father Eryl's farm, learning to ride in point-to-points before graduating to the professional ranks. His first winner under rules came in 1986 at Wolverhampton, and from that moment he never looked back.
Nicknamed “Carlos” by colleagues in the weighing room, Carl was known for his quiet determination and supreme coolness under pressure. On both of his Grand National victories he was a late replacement for injured jockeys — a testament to his readiness to seize the moment.
After retiring from the saddle in 2009, Carl moved into training and has since become a respected racing pundit, media commentator, and in-demand after-dinner and corporate speaker. He draws on his wealth of experience at the highest level of jump racing to entertain and inspire audiences at events across the country.
| Year | Horse | Race | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Stargestic | First winner under National Hunt rules | Wolverhampton |
| 1987–88 | — | Conditional Jockeys' Title (41 winners) | — |
| 1988 | Smart Tar | Mildmay of Flete Challenge Cup Festival | Cheltenham |
| 1992 | Tipping Tim | Ritz Club National Hunt Handicap Chase Festival | Cheltenham |
| 1992 | Party Politics | Grand National ★ Winner | Aintree |
| 1992 | Tipping Tim | Mackeson Gold Cup | Cheltenham |
| 1993 | Sweet Duke | Long Walk Hurdle | Ascot |
| 1994 | Young Hustler | Charlie Hall Chase | Wetherby |
| 1997 | Kerawi | Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle | Kempton Park |
| 1998 | Earth Summit | Grand National ★ Winner | Aintree |
| 1999 | Kings Road | Sefton Novices' Hurdle | Aintree |
| 2000 | Beau | Whitbread Gold Cup — record winning margin Record | Sandown Park |
| 2003 | Bindaree | Welsh Grand National | Chepstow |
| 2004 | Ollie Magern | Feltham Novices' Chase | Kempton Park |
| 2005 | Ollie Magern | Charlie Hall Chase | Wetherby |
| 2006 | Run For Paddy | Scottish Grand National As Trainer | Ayr |
| 2009 | Roll Along | Final ride as jockey (4th place) | Punchestown |
Both Grand National victories came as a substitute — stepping in for injured jockeys Andy Adams (1992) and Tom Jenks (1998). Carl seized both chances brilliantly.
After a fall in 1990 that shattered his ankle, doctors said he would never race again. He ignored them. On his second ride back he broke his elbow — and came back again.
Party Politics won the 1992 Grand National just two days after the General Election — an aptly timed victory for a horse with such a political name.
When Carl rode Beau to win the 2000 Whitbread Gold Cup at Sandown, they won by the biggest margin in the entire history of the race.
Carl was stable jockey to Nigel Twiston-Davies for 18 years — a remarkable bond that produced 14 of his 17 Grade One victories.
Born in Pembroke Dock and raised on his father Eryl's farm, Carl learned to ride in Welsh point-to-points — the classic route to the top of jump racing.
Carl is one of a very small group to have won the Whitbread/Bet365 Gold Cup as both a jockey and a trainer — remarkable on both sides of the fence.
One of Carl's favourite horses, Tipping Tim won at the 1992 Cheltenham Festival and the Mackeson Gold Cup in the same year Carl first won the Grand National.
