Austin Williams left an indelible mark on the harness racing industry that looks set to remain for many years.
The popular Canterbury horseman passed away late last week surrounded by his family.
A respected trainer, driver and conditioner of a standardbred, Williams was rarely without a handy horse of his own.
Introduced to the game by his father Phil, Williams set about making the best of his skills as a horseman from the property owned by himself and his wife, Sue, on the legendary “Golden Mile” just South of Christchurch in Templeton that is officially known as a Trents Road.
The stretch of bitumen has played host to some of New Zealand’s greatest trainers including Jack Smolenski, who owned the property Austin and Sue purchased, the Nyhan Families Globe Lodge and Derek Jones’ Soangetaha Lodge.
Along the way, Williams produced some strong, consistent performers who showcased his talents.
Falconair, who won 11 races in New Zealand before being sold to America, was the best of them – driven in all of her wins by daughter Karen. Others to produce great results were; Lucky Rebel (8 wins), Lucky Willy (7), Datmymulligan (7) and Two Clouds (7).
All totalled he won 40 races a trainer from minimal starters.
A dab hand in the sulky, Williams desciribed driving Alias Charm to six wins for his father as one of his greatest memories of his time in the sulky.
Austin and Sue had four children, all girls, and three of them have continued down the harness racing path – on one way or another.
Karen is still training and driving but also runs a successful breaking in and agistment set up from her Rolleston base while her husband Greg is the face of harness racing on Trackside.
Andrea is married to champion trainer Tim Butt who continue to produce outstanding results from his West Melton stable and Bronwyn is married to the Racing Integrity Unit’s Nigel McIntyre.
Williams is survived by his wife, Sue for whom he was married to for more than 50 years., his four children and nine grandchildren.
A private funeral will be held during the week to celebrate Williams’ life.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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