By Mac Henry
Nathan Williamson and wife Katie are expecting their first child very early next year, like New Year’s Day! Later in 2017 they’ll be moving to their own property at Branxholme, which is currently being established as a training centre. Meantime, its business as usual at Grinaldi Lodge.
Among the new staff Nathan says he has giving him a hand are Katie’s parents Ross and Robyn Jones who have disposed of the property on which they formerly operated Kina Craig Stud. And about a week ago he was joined by former Rangiora based junior driver Matt Purvis.
Among the accolades picked up by Williamson was a special achievement award for being the first Southland driver to score 100 wins in a season. Five of those wins were on Costa Del Magnifico who was named Southland horse of the year.
Costa Del Magnifico has been nominated for the New Zealand Cup but it is one step at a time. Trainer Brent Shirley said he’ll have a private trial with a galloping pacemaker after the Ascot Park Workouts on Saturday (20 August) to decide whether he’ll be ready for the group three Maurice Holmes Vase a fortnight later.
“He’s a lot smoother and a bit stronger this time,” he said.
A crisis might be looming in the life of Tapanui breeder John Stiven as the release of the Walt Disney film Pete’s Dragon looms. The movie was shot in the West Otago town last year and features Stiven as mill worker number 23, and Robert Redford as Mr Meacham.
Stiven, whose broodmare Tosca Hanover was named broodmare of the year at the awards, has a record ten yearlings entered for next years sales and is hoping offers of future film roles don’t come too quickly and interfere with his ability to properly prepare the yearlings. Tosca Hanover, the dam of Arden Rooney, became the fourth Arden winner of the award. The four are from three different families
The awards were sponsored by Cullen Breeding for the 17th year and Ian Dobson pointed out that was much longer than the normal term of three to four years for his sponsorship of events. He said it was a reflection of his appreciation of the southern hospitality he is accorded and has extended his support to Southland owners of broodmares sent north to be served by Christian Cullen.
He said a $500 freight payment will be available and the Stud’s working fee will be charged only if the mare gets in foal. The stud this year is Dancingonmoonlight Farm in Ohoka and Dobson was keen to assure those at the awards function, Christian Cullen’s move was the result of an outstanding offer from Robert Famularo and not a reflection of dissatisfaction with Nevele R.
“I can’t speak highly enough of Nevele R, he got the best treatment ever,” Dobson said.
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