By Jonny Turner
Nathan Williamson wasted no time in bringing up his 400th training win in New Zealand at Wyndham on Saturday.
The leading Southland horseman wasn’t stuck on 399 for long, reaching his milestone victory in race 1 with Hammer Down.
Judging by the turn of foot the horse showed to score, he should be adding to his trainer’s 400 win tally again soon.
“He is a lovely wee horse, he has been quite straightforward since day one,” Williamson said.
“I think he has got quite a bright future.”
Williamson has produced outstanding results since training his first winner in 2010, including 10 Group and Listed race victories.
When reflecting on his career, the trainer has plenty of highlights to choose from.
“We have been lucky to have some nice wins with some nice horses over the years.”
“Pembrook Playboy is one that won a list of feature races, Ragazzo Mach is much the same.”
“He won the Southern Supremacy Stakes, that was a big thrill.”
“There have been thrills along the way.”
“Those two and Dark Horse on the trotting side, she was a great mare.”
Williamson’s horses could be an even more imposing force on the track soon.
The trainer is adding to the facilities at his Branxholme stable, by installing an equine swimming pool.
“We have a horse pool going in at the moment, hopefully it will be finished in a couple of weeks which is exciting.”
Williamson’s brother Brad produced an outstanding training performance to have Simone Lindenny ready to win at Wyndham on Saturday.
The mare scored for driver Kerryn Tomlinson in her first run since April after returning from an Australian campaign.
“She went good, she got a lovely run, Kerryn drove her really well,” Williamson said.
“She won well at the Oamaru trials last week and everything worked out well for her today.”
Williamson races Simone Lindenny with Grant Gray, of Invercargill.
The owners sent the mare to Australia to strengthen her broodmare credentials, and she returned home after that mission was complete.
“We went over there hoping she would get a good mile time at Menangle, that was the goal.”
“That was achieved and then she headed down to Brent Lilley’s at Melbourne.”
“She raced pretty well and got a couple more wins.”
“She headed away home and she’s back here, we will race her for a little bit longer until we put her in foal.”
Simone Lindenny now has seven wins in New Zealand and four in Australia to her name.
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