Love N The Group One win

Oamaru harness racing trainer Phil Williamson has been campaigning open class trotters Love N The Port (Love You) and Majestic Man (Majestic Son) in the north since mid-April, with one aim in mind – winning the time honoured Rowe Cup. 

Tonight (May 26) at Alexandra Park the campaign finished on the highest of notes when Love N The Port won the $180,000 Group One feature.  

“It was huge, especially after the owners copped some disappointment last week when everything went wrong,” Matty Williamson told Trackside viewers. 

He was referring to the unsettling number of starts in last weeks Anzac Cup in which Love N The Port finished sixth. 

“Last week he had the toughest run in the race and finished three lengths from them. A lot of people dropped him on last weeks run but his run was very creditable.” 

Love N The Port led for a good part of the 3200 metres before handing up to race favourite Muscle Mountain (Muscle Hill) who lost 100 metres at the start and circled the field to lead with a lap to run, allowing Williamson to take a trail. 

“It was one take (start) this week and he began beautifully, got the run and showed that he’s up to this level when he gets a trip. He won with the plugs still in, beating the best we’ve got. Getting the trip at this level was the key.” 

Although Love N The Port was running off the track at the end, he was clear of trouble and won by two and a half lengths with Oscar Bonavena (Majestic Son) finishing second.  

A very brave Muscle Mountain showed his enormous heart by battling on for fourth only four lengths from the winner and Majestic Man would have thrilled Williamson by running an improved fifth. 

LOVE N THE PORT REPLAY

Love N The Port is owned by Keith Ussher and his partner Sylvia White. He showed plenty of talent as a young horse but often his manners let him down. 

“The owners never dropped the lip and kept having faith. Dad kept turning him out and giving him time and tonight’s the night we’ve been rewarded.” 

The win was Phil Williamson’s second in the great race. He won with One Over Kenny (Sundon) in 2007. The win was Matty’s first in the race. 

In a race the whole Williamson family have on their ‘to win list’ Matty has got his name on the drivers honour board ahead of his brothers Nathan and Brad.  

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink