Bob Champion is a former British horse-race and jump jockey whose career was at its height in the late ’70s and 1980s; he is most well-remembered for winning the Grand National in 1981 riding champion horse Aldaniti. A legend of the sport, Bob has developed an impressive portfolio of anecdotal tales and advice for any audience members during talks as a horse racing speaker. Champion was awarded the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year after his Grand National win and his triumph over adversity has lead him to be one of the most celebrated British sportsman of the last 30 years as well as a highly respected sports speaker.
Champion’s success was so well received by British audiences that it was turned into a film in 1983, following the success of Champion’s own book which detailed his experience of the race along with his battle with testicular cancer: Champions Story. An expert in drive and determination as well as a character who knows how to deal with pressure, Bob is an ideal horse racing speaker to talk to both business and social environments alike, shown by his popularity as one of the most sought after personalities on the after dinner speaker circuit. After winning his first horse race at only 15, Bob Champion went on to win various prominent horse races around the world including the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup, Black & White Hurdle, The Whitbread Trial Chase and took part in The Grand National eight times before achieving what he called his dream of winning the tournament.
The perseverance and determination required to achieve this dream have allowed Champion to develop excellent speaking techniques; his after dinner speeches are inspirational and moving, often telling the story of the strength required to beat what was thought to be terminal cancer. Bob Champion was awarded an MBE in 1983 for services to horse racing, whilst, following his triumph over cancer, he set up a research and support charity in his name. The Bob Champion Cancer Trust has raised more than £20 million for cancer research since its establishment in the same year he was awarded the MBE. An eloquent and articulate deliverer of talks, Bob is a consummate professional in front of an audience, proving testament to his impressive résumé of previous large engagements as a horse racing speaker.
How to hire Bob Champion
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Bob Champion for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
See what people had to say about Bob, when he appeared at corporate events:
"Just a short note to thank you so much for coming to our dinner last night. It really made a difference that people like you are prepared to put themselves out and join in with the fun. There is a downside – you were so good I will have to invite you to the next such event." - Ladbrokes Worldwide
