Brad Williamson’s winning double on Winter Rewards Day at Winton yesterday brought delight to owners across New Zealand.
The Oamaru trainer-driver produced Aint No Angel to win her second Winter Rewards Final, as well as scoring with Tabasco.
After producing strong form in handy company recently, Aint No Angel saved her best for Southland’s biggest day of harness racing so far.
The mare’s victory sits alongside the Winter Rewards Final she produced at Addington last year for Oturehua breeder-owners Neville Armstrong, Rusty Nevill, and Kim and Mary Heaney.
The win also added to the ever-growing list of winners for Nevill, one of Otago’s biggest standardbred breeders.
"It’s a great result for Rusty.
"Behind the scenes he does a hell of a lot for the industry," Williamson said.
"He probably goes under the radar a bit; he is not one to put himself in the spotlight."
"But he breeds and races a lot of horses and contributes a lot to the industry."
"Rusty is in this mare with a group of his mates from Central Otago and they love watching her race."
Tabasco bounced quickly back to his best form while showing he has got another weapon in his arsenal.
The pacer almost exclusively races up on the pace, but yesterday Williamson was forced to sit off a strong early speed from his wide draw.
Despite possibly being out of his comfort zone, it mattered little when Tabasco powered home to score.
"His best results have come when I have driven him upside down," Williamson said.
"But today he was just sitting back doing nothing in what was a bit of a drop back in class for him."
Tabasco is raced by a group of loyal Williamson stable owners, including Robert Austin, of Waiuku.
"Robert makes the trip down from up north for most of Tabasco’s races," Williamson said.
"He bred this horse’s dam, so it’s his breed, really."
"He’s a great owner and loves his racing and his horses, so it is great that can get a bit more success today."
Downtown Orlando, Robyns Hustler, Share A Dream, Emily, and Southside Of Heaven were also Winter Rewards Final winners alongside Aint No Angel.
