Bill Bootit kicks first goal

He’s a commentators’ nightmare but Bill Bootit (Majestic Son) got the job done today at the Invercargill Harness Racing Club meeting at Ascot Park. 

The four year old got away safely but had to lead the chasing bunch when The Bronx Bomber (Muscle Yankee) shot out to a massive lead. 

“I wasn’t worried because I knew we’d be strong at the end. I just had to time my run,” Williamson said. 

At the 800 Bill Bootit was within two lengths of the leader and travelling easily. Straightening up he took the lead, going on to win by a length and three quarters. Roughie Hail Stone (Wishing Stone) got second and massive three year old filly Petite Trixton (Trixton) in her first start, underlined her potential by running on for third. 

“He was doing it well within himself. He still had the earplugs in and his ears pricked, so he quite enjoyed that.” 

Owned by Williamson’s parents- in-law Ross and Robyn Jones along with breeder Kevin Schuck, the four year old has been given plenty of time to mature. 

“He needed time to get his gait strengthened up. I was really pleased with the way he trotted, he felt really solid out there today. “ 

BILL BOOTIT REPLAY

He wore half hopples for the race, but they were there simply to give him confidence. 

“We trained him before with them on when he was a three year old. The week prior to his first start he started to trot a bit awkwardly at home so we thought he might be better with them on. He’s raced with them on the whole time but he quite often trains without them. They’re only for security at this stage and I’m sure he’ll race without them down the track.” 

Williamson intends to sit down and plan the horses next move carefully because racing in the next grade can be hard. 

“It’s a really big step up but he’s had a couple of races so he’s a little more experienced than a maiden that wins at its first start.  

And the name? Who thought that up? 

“I think Ross thought it up one day when he was driving round in his truck.”  

Ross has a bit of a knack with the names – Bill Bootit entered the Williamson stable with another Schuck bred horse named by Ross. It’s called Bob Barrelit (Sundon).  

For complete race entries, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink