Williamson back in action after Group 1 success

[Wandering Eyes]

By Jonny Turner 

Don’t be too surprised if you don’t see another winning salute from Nathan Williamson at Winton on Sunday.

The trainer-driver will be back racing in the south, fresh off producing his first Group 1 training victory with Captains Mistress in the Dunstans Sires Stakes Series Final at Addington on Show Day.

Williamson gave a very rare salute as he crossed the line, completing what could be considered an overdue elite-level victory considering his outstanding talent and record as a trainer.

While it may have appeared the horseman’s gesture was – in the words of the late Sir Edmund Hilary – because “we knocked the bastard off” that wasn’t quite the case.

Instead, it was a nod to the big family unit – including wife Katie and children Millie, Lachie and Louie – that have has been the driving force behind Williamson becoming a Group 1 winning trainer.

“Katie and the kids make huge sacrifices for me to be able to be away to compete in these big races.”

“There are days where I would like to watch gymnastics or swimming but I have commitments to the horses and to the business.”

“So, winning the Group 1 wasn’t so much about my own personal achievement, it was more about acknowledging what the family had given to make it possible.”

“And we have her parents Ross and Robyn working here and playing a big part in the operation.”

“Winning the race was a thrill but I felt the biggest thing was it showed all of the hard work and sacrifices the family have made were being rewarded.”

Captains Mistress is on a one-way path towards the $100,000 Group 1 Ace Of Diamonds at Addington on November 29.

The star filly could be joined by Always Dreaming who is on track to qualify for the $100,000 Ace Of Spades on the same night.

The two-year-old returns in race 3 at Winton, the Gareth Paul Building Mobile Pace, and he would need to produce a strong effort to be a threat in his Group One assignment.

And Williamson thinks he is forward and ready to run a big race.

“He trialled quite nice and that trial seems to have sharpened him up.”

“The plan is to go to Addington in a fortnight, so he is pretty well up to the mark and ready to run a nice race.”

Williamson rates Son Of The Cleaner as the best of his outside drives at Winton on Sunday.

The trotter produced a strong fresh-up win in his return to racing at the same track late last month.

“He looks a nice chance, he has got a few tricks to him but if he can trot away and get into a good rhythm he would take plenty of catching.”

Williamson also links up with Harold Hanover and Always B There on Sunday.  

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