Special win for Williamson

The Williamson name is synonymous with harness racing in Oamaru and in a race sponsored by Phil and Bev Williamson, Aroha Kenny (Love You) delivered a dream result in the $40,000 G3 Jasmyn’s Gift Fillies and Mares Stakes at the Oamaru Harness Racing Club meeting today.

“I’ve won a lot of nice races but that was a thrill. Thanks to Kaleb Bublitz who works for me and Steve Allen. It’s a team effort and they deserve all the thanks,” Phil said after the win.

AROHA KENNY REPLAY

Aroha Kenny bred by Bev and trained by Phil was given a perfect trip by driver Ricky May and she held out a late charge from I Dream Of Jennie to win by half a length with a daughter of Jasmyn’s Gift – Sheza Gift, finishing a head back in third.

“It was a great run from her (Sheza Gift) too. I was thrilled with her. She’s always been a capable horse but she’s had a few problems with running into fences.”

The winning time of 3-19.6 was a new race and track record. The previous track record for mares was 3-19.7 for the 2600 metres and was held by Majestic Time while the race record of 3-21.5 was held by the 2022 winner, I Dream Of Jennie.

“She’s pretty good. But in saying that the level at the top is very high. She’ll definitely win more races. She’s a lovely mare.”

This was the 23^rd winner May has driven for the Williamsons in this country; four Group Ones, two Group Twos, two Group Threes and two Listed races. His Group One wins for the stable were on Allegro Agitato (3) and Empire City (1).

“Ricky didn’t like his drive today. He thought he went too soon because he knows she’s pretty quick. At the end of the day if you win the race you can’t be too harsh on yourself.”

Also owned by Phil and Bev Williamson, Jasmyn’s Gift (Sundon) had 48 starts winning 17. Her biggest win was the 2005 G1 New Zealand Trotting Championship at Addington. Her other feature win was in the 2006 Ordeal Cup in the hands of Nathan Williamson and it was the young drivers first feature win. She ran third in two Group One Dominion Handicaps and third in a Group Two Ashburton Trotters Flying Mile.

“I’ll be giving her a pat tomorrow when I see her,” said Phil.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink

For complete race results, click here