Williamson notches second Southern Supremacy

Branxholme harness racing trainer Nathan Williamson notched his second Southern Supremacy in as many years when Sand Wave held on to beat With A Bang in the $50,000 Group Two feature at Ascot Park today.

Williamson won the three year old feature with Ragazzo Mach last season.

Mossdale Ben and driver Ben Hope blasted the gate and managed to cross Sand Wave early.

“I thought Ben (Hope) may go forward,” said Williamson.

Sand Wave before the Supremacy

With 2200 metres to run Williamson decided to take Sand Wave to the top.

“He was the best horse in the race, so I had to drive him accordingly.”

Sand Wave leads with a lap to run

From there he was able to dictate the pace and although challenged by Matt Major and Tim Williams inside the last lap he was able to persist and won by a length and a half from another local runner, With A Bang.

“He was quite lazy, so I wanted to make sure we rolled along so it wasn’t a dash up the straight. He travelled nice when Tim came up beside me.”

Sand Wave winning the Supremacy

Raced by the Nine Three Syndicate, Chris Alcock and the Nude @ Ten Syndicate Williamson says the Somebeachsomewhere colt will have one more start this preparation.

“I think he’ll benefit from this run. He’s got a Sires Stakes race coming up at Addington in a fortnight. Then he can go for a break because he’s had a big season and had a few trips away.”

Returning to the birdcage

It was Sand Waves seventh win in thirteen starts and he’s now won over $70,000.

“He’s a genuine wee racehorse who’s got a big motor.”

The members of the Nude @ Ten Syndicate were heard to party on hard well after their horse’s win, declaring that another trip to Invercargill was certainly on the cards.

Sand Wave with the Nude @ Ten Syndicate

The whole winning party

Meanwhile second favourite Matt Major finished last in today’s Supremacy after providing driver Tim Williams with an awkward steer before running to the outside of the track in the home straight.

“He’s a horse with a lot of ability but he hasn’t quite got it between the ears just yet. A break will be the best thing for him. Once they quickened up at the 900, he just grabbed the rein and wanted to go, but out instead of forward. We just have to be kind to him and get him to bounce on the right side,” said co-trainer Steve Telfer.

View the Invercargill results click here!

by Bruce Stewart