NZ HARNESS NEWS
The long trip from Cromwell to the West Coast paid off for driver Matthew Williamson when he won Wednesday’s Westport Cup with Airpark Flyer.
The reinsman was having his first visit to the region and driving in his first meeting at the Westport track.
Airpark Flyer made it worth the lengthy trek from Cromwell, where Williamson is based with his father Phil’s summer racing team, when clearing out to win the feature for trainer Trent Yesberg.
“He loves the grass and he was very strong. He probably won it easier than it looked,” Williamson said.
Williamson and Yesberg have formed a potent partnership this season and it was enough to see the reinsman travel west for Wednesday’s meeting.
“It’s worked out really good driving for Trent this season, we have got a couple of cups with this horse. He always has the team ready to run.”
Williamson showed he did not come all the way to Westport to muck around and took no chances with the classy $3.10 favourite in the 3200m feature.
He launched Airpark Flyer on a mid race move, but could not take the front from Gimmefiveminutesmore and driver Ben Hope.
After enjoying the one-one for a lap, Williamson again moved his charge out three wide to avoid being boxed in.
Airpark Flyer took the lead before the home turn and ran strongly to the line to win the Westport Cup by more than two-and-a-half lengths.
Just N Awe charged home from a hopeless position, deep on the markers, to run second.
Eastwood Chieftain ran in to third after he found clear air late in the race.
The placed pair will not have to take on Airpark Flyer again on the second day of the West Coast’s Christmas-New Year circuit.
They will compete a 2600m handicap at Westport on Friday.
Airpark Flyer will not race at the meeting.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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