Addington double adds to a big week for Williamson

Ayelsbury trainer Donna Williamson just got two more reasons to celebrate this week after training a double at Addington yesterday with Belmont Valor and Bronski.

Earlier in the week Williamson married long time partner Craig Thornley.

“We got married in Timaru on Monday. It was something quiet,” said Williamson of their wedding.

The first of the training double came with Belmont Valor and driver Gemma Thornley in race three the Allied Security mobile pace over 1980m.

“We will see what happens now with him,” said Williamson.

Thornley was able to secure the one out one back position with Belmont Valor where they remained until the final bend. Thornley then angled the six year old Always B Miki gelding wider to produce a strong finish, winning by one and a quarter lengths.

“He had a great trip. Everything worked out today,” said driver Gemma Thornley.  

That was Belmont Valor’s second win at start number twenty two.

The double was then completed with Bronski in race seven the Book Now For ANZAC Day Racing & League mobile pace over 1980m.

Driven by Craig Thornley, he took the four year old Bettor’s Delight gelding to the rear of the field.

The field started to break up around the 600m, allowing Thornley and Bronksi to slide into a prominent position which proved to be the winning of the race. Cruising to victory with two and three quarter lengths to spare.

“He goes alright. He doesn’t know much about racing yet. But he’s getting better,” said driver Craig Thornley.

The win was Bronski’s first from eight attempts.

“He’s a bit of a scatterbrain, but going on the unruly today made the difference,” said Williamson.

Williamson has now trained forty winners with stake earnings of over $480,000.

Other highlights on the card included a double in the sulky for Robbie Close (Five Monkeys and Timbimboo).

For complete race results, click here.

by Mike Love, for Harness Racing New Zealand