Former Jockey Laurie Williams Finds Comfort, Care, and a Return to His Racing Roots at Kevin Hickman Village
For Laurie Williams, a move into Ryman Healthcare‘s Kevin Hickman Village has become much more than a change of address—it has been a heartfelt homecoming. After decades filled with unforgettable experiences, international adventures, family life, and health challenges, the former jockey now finds himself living beside the very racecourse where his lifelong passion for horses first took shape.
Looking out from his room, Laurie enjoys a direct view of Riccarton Racecourse’s home straight, a scene that brings back memories stretching more than half a century. For someone whose dream of becoming a jockey began as a teenager, waking up each day overlooking the track where he trained is both nostalgic and deeply meaningful.
Today, surrounded by compassionate caregivers, supportive staff, and familiar sights, Laurie has rediscovered a sense of belonging while remaining connected to the sport that has always held a special place in his heart.
A Childhood Fascination with Horses
Laurie’s love for horses began long before he ever rode competitively.
Growing up in the rural Canterbury town of Leeston, New Zealand, he developed a fascination with horses at just 14 years of age. Unlike many people involved in racing, Laurie did not come from a family with ties to the sport. His passion emerged naturally through spending time near a local stable.
Whenever he had the opportunity, he would visit the stable simply to watch and spend time around the horses.
Their strength, intelligence, and personalities captivated him.
Before long, Laurie realized he wanted more than simply observing from the sidelines.
He wanted to make horse racing his career.
“I just found them fascinating, and I knew I wanted to be a jockey,” Laurie recalls.
Leaving School to Chase a Dream
Determined to pursue his ambition, Laurie made a bold decision at the age of 15.
He left school and accepted work as a stable hand, beginning what would become the foundation of his racing career.
The work demanded enormous commitment.
Long before sunrise each morning, Laurie was already caring for horses, cleaning stables, feeding animals, and preparing them for training sessions.
Despite the physically demanding nature of the job, he never questioned his decision.
Each day offered another opportunity to learn more about the horses and the racing industry.
The demanding schedule only strengthened his determination to become a professional jockey.
Apprenticeship at Riccarton Racecourse
Laurie’s career took an important step forward when he secured an apprenticeship with respected trainer C.C. McCarthy, whose training operation was based at Riccarton Racecourse in Christchurch.
McCarthy enjoyed considerable success within New Zealand racing and was especially well known after training Dalray, the horse that captured the prestigious 1952 Melbourne Cup.
Working alongside an accomplished trainer provided Laurie with valuable experience that extended far beyond simply riding horses.
He learned stable management, horse conditioning, race preparation, and the discipline required to succeed in professional racing.
During his apprenticeship he was responsible for caring for approximately ten horses.
Among them, one stood out above all the others.
A Special Bond with High Score
Laurie formed a particularly close connection with a horse named High Score.
The partnership became one of the defining memories of his early racing career.
One treasured keepsake remains a photograph showing Laurie riding High Score during those years.
Much later, members of his family had the black-and-white image carefully colorized, transforming it into a cherished reminder of his youth and his lifelong passion for racing.
Today, the photograph continues to occupy a special place among his personal possessions.
For Laurie, it represents not only his apprenticeship but also the dreams that inspired him to enter the racing world.
Completing the Long Journey to Becoming a Jockey
Becoming a licensed jockey required years of preparation.
Laurie completed a demanding five-year apprenticeship before finally earning the opportunity to compete professionally.
Only after successfully finishing the apprenticeship could he begin riding in official races.
Achieving that milestone represented years of dedication, persistence, and sacrifice.
The qualification fulfilled the ambition that had motivated him since childhood.
Racing Career Brings Valuable Experience
Once licensed, Laurie spent the next five years competing in horse races throughout New Zealand.
Although he achieved several respectable performances, racing success often depends on timing, opportunity, and a measure of luck.
His best official finish came aboard Drake’s Treasure, where he secured fourth place.
While he never achieved the major victories he had dreamed of, the experience gave him lasting memories and lifelong friendships within the racing community.
The years spent riding professionally remained among the most rewarding chapters of his life.
A New Career at the Bakery
Eventually Laurie decided it was time to explore a different career path.
He accepted employment with Burke’s Bakery in Riccarton.
Although the work differed greatly from racing, one aspect remained remarkably familiar.
The early morning starts continued.
Reflecting on the transition, Laurie laughs that little changed when it came to getting up before dawn.
His strong work ethic, developed during years in racing, helped him adapt easily to his new occupation.
A Holiday That Changed Everything
In 1965 Laurie made what was intended to be a simple holiday trip to Australia.
The visit turned into something much more significant.
Rather than returning home after his vacation, he decided to remain in Australia.
What began as a short holiday eventually became a stay lasting three decades.
His son Trent jokes that one reason his father stayed so long was because he never became particularly fond of flying.
Whatever the reason, Australia became Laurie’s home for the next thirty years.
Another Attempt at Horse Racing
After arriving in Australia, Laurie once again pursued opportunities in horse racing.
For several years he attempted to establish himself within the Australian racing industry.
Eventually he chose another direction, moving into agricultural work.
Farm employment offered greater stability while allowing him to continue working outdoors.
The change marked another important turning point in his life.
Meeting His Future Wife
Australia brought Laurie something even more important than a career.
During his years there he met Shirlette, the woman who would become his wife.
The couple married and built their life together.
In 1981 they welcomed their son, Trent, adding a new dimension to Laurie’s life.
Fatherhood soon became his greatest priority.
Supporting his family became more important than pursuing racing ambitions.
Returning Home to New Zealand
After spending approximately thirty years in Australia, Laurie made another life-changing decision.
In 1987 he returned permanently to New Zealand with Shirlette and young Trent.
The move allowed him to reconnect with family members he had not seen regularly for many years.
Returning home also meant spending valuable time with his mother, Maggie, and his siblings.
For Laurie, reconnecting with family represented one of the greatest rewards of coming back to New Zealand.
Following His Mother’s Path
As Maggie grew older, she eventually required residential care.
She became a resident at Ryman Healthcare’s Woodcote Village in Hornby.
Years later, Laurie himself would follow remarkably similar footsteps.
After experiencing his own health challenges, he also became a resident at Woodcote Village.
The familiarity of the community where his mother had lived provided considerable comfort during a difficult period.
Knowing the environment and many of the staff helped make the transition much easier.
Health Challenges Lead to Residential Care
Laurie’s move into aged care came after suffering a stroke while visiting relatives in Australia.
The medical emergency occurred during a family holiday and quickly became an emotional experience for everyone involved.
His son Trent remembers the period as particularly stressful.
Because the incident occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, arranging Laurie’s return to New Zealand required urgent planning under difficult circumstances.
Despite the challenges, Laurie was safely transported home where he could receive the care and rehabilitation he needed.
Finding Comfort at Woodcote Village
Following his return, Woodcote Village became an important source of stability.
Beyond the familiarity created by his mother’s earlier residence, Laurie developed strong relationships with caregivers and staff.
Among them was caregiver Emma, whose kindness and dedication left a lasting impression.
The supportive environment helped Laurie adjust to daily life following his stroke while maintaining his independence as much as possible.
Another Transition Brings a Pleasant Surprise
When the care centre at Woodcote Village closed, Laurie required another move.
Staff carefully supported his transition to Kevin Hickman Village, ensuring continuity of care throughout the process.
Although moving again could have been unsettling, the relocation brought an unexpected benefit.
His new room overlooked Riccarton Racecourse.
For Laurie, it felt as though life had come full circle.
The place where he had learned his trade as a young apprentice was now visible from his bedroom window.
A Front-Row Seat to Racing
Kevin Hickman Village offers Laurie an opportunity few racing enthusiasts could imagine.
On race days he can watch horses charging down the home straight from remarkably close range.
According to Trent, the location allows residents to enjoy an outstanding view of the racing action.
Riccarton hosts numerous race meetings each year, bringing excitement and energy to the surrounding area dozens of times annually.
For Laurie, every race rekindles memories of his own years in the saddle.
Compassionate Care Makes the Difference
Beyond its exceptional location, Laurie values the everyday care he receives.
He particularly appreciates the quality of the meals, the welcoming atmosphere, and the dedication shown by staff.
One especially meaningful aspect of the move involved caregiver Emma.
She also transferred from Woodcote Village to Kevin Hickman Village, allowing Laurie to continue receiving support from someone he already knew and trusted.
Her familiar presence made settling into the new environment much easier.
A Thoughtful Gift
Emma also created a deeply personal gift for Laurie.
Knowing his lifelong love of horses, she painted a beautiful portrait of a horse’s head to decorate his new room.
The artwork now serves as both decoration and a reminder of the lifelong passion that has shaped so much of his journey.
The thoughtful gesture touched Laurie and reflected the close relationships that often develop between caregivers and residents.
Returning to Where It All Began
Few people have the opportunity to return so closely to the place where their dreams first began.
For Laurie, living beside Riccarton Racecourse has brought his remarkable journey full circle.
As a teenager, he arrived there full of ambition, eager to learn everything he could about horses and racing.
Today, decades later, he watches the sport from the comfort of his home, surrounded by caring staff, supportive family, and memories spanning a lifetime.
Although his life has included career changes, international moves, family milestones, and health challenges, his affection for horses has never faded.
Laurie Williams’ story is one of perseverance, passion, and unexpected homecomings. From a young stable hand chasing his dream of becoming a jockey to a devoted husband, father, and now a resident overlooking the racecourse where his journey began, each chapter has been shaped by resilience and an enduring love of horses.
Today, at Kevin Hickman Village, Laurie enjoys not only high-quality care and meaningful companionship but also the rare privilege of reconnecting daily with the sport that inspired him as a teenager. Watching horses race past from just beyond the rails reminds him how far life has taken him—and how sometimes, after decades of adventure, the greatest comfort comes from returning to where it all started. With the support of his family and dedicated caregivers, Laurie says he is simply happy to be home once again.
Source link: https://www.rymanhealthcare.co.nz/
