Williamson gets five

For the first time as a trainer Branxholme horseman Nathan Williamson won five races at the Winton Harness Racing Club meeting yesterday.

His previous total was four in a day which he achieved at Invercargill in 2015 when Poppymalda, Cool Changes, Ta Man Bromac and Splash Cola all had a win.

The five race win roll started in the first yesterday with Major Envy (Art Major) who pressed forward early but was given no peace with Eat My Dust putting the pressure on until Major Envy rolled to the lead. At the 400 Williamson eased his filly off the inside running line and she was driven out to win by a length and three quarters running the mile in 1-56.5.

“Yeah, she went well. We got looked at early but stuck on. It was nice for her to get a good time like that,” Williamson said.

In the next race Joeking (Majestic Son) was on his best behaviour and after leading, held on to beat Burning Love by half a length.

“He brought his manners which was good because he hadn’t before.”

Joeking looked noticeably more refined yesterday.

“He’s done a bit more work because I wasn’t having him carrying on like he did the other day. We’ve kept on top pf him a bit. I pulled the plugs just after the line to see how he would handle it. He got a bit of a frigh, but he handled it okay.”

In race four juvenile Miraculous (Bettor’s Delight) showed all the qualities of a smart horse when he continued on his winning way. He led and ran away from five rivals to score by six and a quarter lengths.

“He was good but a bit green in front. But when I asked him to concentrate up the straight he sprinted up good. He was pretty sharp. He’s a pretty smart horse and I’m looking forward to racing him next week.”

His winning time was 1-55.4 with the last 800 metres run in 56.1 and the 400 hundred cut out in 26.3.

Ruby Roe (Captaintreacherous) continued the Williamson roll in the Bruski Farms Mobile Pace.

The John and Katrina Price owned filly was pushed forward early by Williamson and she led all the way to beat stablemate Flying Ellie by a length and a quarter, running the mile in 1-54.9.

The win was Ruby Roe’s second in just two starts.

“I was thrilled with that run and real pleased with her.”

Flying Ellie was gallant in second.

“She was really good too considering the time and she was having her first run back from a long break. She did all the work from the outside draw so she went well.”

The fifth win came in race eight when Itoje (Betterthancheddar) led and came away at the end of the 2400 metre trip to win by three and a quarter lengths.

“It was more like he should be, and I think he can only start improving. The pressure’s off there a wee bit. He was comfortable in front and he had to work a bit to get there because we ran a bit early. He’s a lovely rolling horse.”

Winning five in a day as both trainer and driver was an achievement.

Nathan has previously driven five at one day – in March 2022 at the Riverton Trotting Club meeting. That day he drove Afterburner, Watchlist, Charlie P, Sand Wave and Lincoln Skipper.

It was also a good day for Australian Micheal Boots of Boots Properties Racing Pty Ltd who owns three of the stable winners Major Envy, Miraculous and Itoje.

Multiple winners are not new to Boots. Over one weekend in March 2022 he was the proud owner of seven winners across three states.

Boots lives in Riverina and has an earthmoving business in Leeton.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink