Evan Williams, a prominent horse trainer, was sentenced to three years in prison for assaulting Martin Dandridge with a hockey stick. The incident, which occurred on December 4, 2024, left Dandridge, 72, with a fractured arm and other injuries. The conviction was handed down by a unanimous jury at Cardiff Crown Court in March 2026.
During the trial, Recorder Angharad Price described the assault as an “appalling offence” that caused serious injuries to Dandridge. She emphasized that it is “never acceptable to take the law into your own hands,” highlighting the gravity of Williams’s actions. The jury deliberated for 90 minutes before reaching their verdict, convicting Williams of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, a charge he had denied.
The altercation began when Williams approached Dandridge, who was using a torch while walking his dog at night on Williams’s land. Williams claimed that Dandridge was “lamping,” a practice involving the use of bright lights to locate animals. However, the jury found that Williams’s response was excessive and unjustifiable.
Williams, 55, is known for his success in the horse racing industry, having established Evan Williams Racing in 2003. He trained the horse Secret Reprieve, which won the 2020 Welsh Grand National, and has had top-four finishes in five consecutive Grand Nationals at Aintree from 2009 to 2013. His reputation in the racing community has now been overshadowed by this criminal conviction.
In her sentencing remarks, Recorder Price noted, “You had a choice that night; you could have waited and let the police deal with the situation, but instead, you urgently raced to the paddock to deal with it yourself.” This statement underscores the reckless nature of Williams’s actions and the potential consequences of taking matters into one’s own hands.
William Bebb, representing the defense, acknowledged the emotional turmoil Williams experienced due to his background with lampers. He stated, “You were filled with rage due to the nature of the background you had with lampers,” suggesting that Williams’s past may have influenced his decision to confront Dandridge aggressively.
As the news of Williams’s sentencing spreads, observers within the horse racing community are left to contemplate the implications of this incident on his career and reputation. The case serves as a reminder of the legal consequences that can arise from violent confrontations, regardless of one’s status or achievements in other fields.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential appeals or further legal actions that Williams may pursue following his sentencing. The impact of this incident on his future in horse racing remains to be seen.
