billy connolly 63 Report post Posted November 24, 2016 A modest and humble man who never forgot where he came from and never lost the common touch. RIP Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hedley 1,900 Report post Posted November 24, 2016 R.I.P. Bill...you'll never be forgotten as a rich contributor to N.Z.'s fabric of Racing jack, the shue25, Pegs Pride and 4 others 7 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdytdy 5,341 Report post Posted November 24, 2016 Sad to hear. Bill was always chipper, a lovely bloke with a lively wit and rode a number of winners for my late father. His book "The Bill Skelton Story" by Tony Hilton was launched at the Levin meeting 40 years ago 17/11/1976. How do I know? I was going up there for the launch but didn't make it as my eldest was born that morning. Sincere condolences to Nella and to all the family R.I.P. Bill You will always be remembered. gubellini and Pegs Pride 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ohokaman 5,825 Report post Posted November 24, 2016 Sorry to hear the sad news. A legend of NZ Racing. Condolences to the family. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Winner69 136 Report post Posted November 24, 2016 Bill was my racing hero from an early age. will never forget the day that he won the Wellington Oaks on Mayo Gold and the buzz that went through the Trentham crowd RIP Bill (WD) .....and thanks for the memories. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Memphis2 1,078 Report post Posted November 24, 2016 Yes champion bloke and jockey. Bustling Bill RIP. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdytdy 5,341 Report post Posted November 24, 2016 1 hour ago, Winner69 said: Bill was my racing hero from an early age. will never forget the day that he won the Wellington Oaks on Mayo Gold and the buzz that went through the Trentham crowd RIP Bill (WD) .....and thanks for the memories. Great performance by Mayo Gold that day Winner69. She got well back and with a slipped saddle stormed home to get up and beat Shantung and Frivole. That was her third run at the meeting also having won on the first two days with brother Bob on her for those wins. Bill had at least one win in virtually every major race at Trentham, the exceptions being the NZ St Leger Stakes and the Wellington Guineas. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
slam dunk 1,317 Report post Posted November 25, 2016 Bustling Bill everybody loved him particularly the punters. No1 peoples jockey of all time. Lets hope NZTR put up some Peter Kelly commentaries on their website. Overheard a conversation with an owner trainer trying to get him to ride a hot favourite. After listening intently Bill said "well if the kid did everything right last time and knows the horse you are better sticking with him". Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lynne Corbett 11 Report post Posted November 25, 2016 RIP Bill. Thanks for the memories. You were my hero. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
scooby3051 10,869 Report post Posted November 25, 2016 I remember as a kid winning my 2nd race and beating him, he come over after the race and said well done son you rode it well. I never forgot that as he was a true legend, RIP condolences to him and and all his family. elbow 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turny 1,224 Report post Posted November 25, 2016 Great man - humble a d always shared with us - one of the games lovely guys RIP Bill elbow 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Clydesdale 229 Report post Posted November 25, 2016 Outstanding Jockey The likes we will not see again. The champ trainers that have gone would tell you what he could do to educate a youngster. Syd Brown, Eric Ropiha etc would put Bill on a young horse and it would gain from the experience. I have very fond memories of horses that Bill taught to race, none more than a horse called Crown Law, a Group One horse who beat Baguette and Gunsynd at his first Australian start.Bustling Bill taught him to race......... Memphis2 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
billy connolly 63 Report post Posted November 29, 2016 On Friday, November 25, 2016 at 1:39 PM, slam dunk said: Lets hope NZTR put up some Peter Kelly commentaries on their website. His wife has commentaries and videos of his best wins. The Peter Kelly calls were special as was Daryl's Joy's VRC Derby victory called by Bill Collins. Readers may be interested to know that the brothers Skelton dead heated for first in a race at Riccarton one day, Bob on Russley and Bill aboard Writer and I'm pretty sure Bill rode the card one day at a South Island track. Great days. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrBigStuff 394 Report post Posted November 29, 2016 RIP to a great man Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdytdy 5,341 Report post Posted November 30, 2016 For those attending tomorrow please note the change of venue. The service for Bill is now at The Salvation Army Worship and Community Centre, Durham Street, Levin at 2 pm. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muritai 14 Report post Posted November 30, 2016 Just the best.I have so many fond memories..WD was a legend and will not be forgotten. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattski 176 Report post Posted December 1, 2016 Has there been a decent book written about the Skelton's? Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark burridge 14 Report post Posted December 2, 2016 Bill - u had a great send off. Great catch up with ex jockeys and friends Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdytdy 5,341 Report post Posted December 2, 2016 NGH and I made it back to the Waikato ok Mark. In fact just got home. Yes, it was a very good service and certainly caught up with a few old faces for sure today, including yours. mark burridge 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue 1,095 Report post Posted December 2, 2016 Would somebody tell Tom Wood that Vale Bill Skelton Handicap should be pronounced , in this instance, as Wah-lay, meaning Farewell. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
