Oamaru trotting trainer Phil Williamson was keeping things in the family at the Omakau Trots yesterday — not only were all of his sons racing horses he had trained, but the family was celebrating the arrival of their first grandchild.
Millie May Williamson was born in Invercargill at 12.24am yesterday and her father Nathan Williamson then headed to Omakau to compete in the annual trots meet, with the blessing of his wife, Katie Williamson.
Nathan Williamson said he was "a bit tired", but enjoyed once again being part of the family trotting action.
Nathan (28) and his brothers Matthew Williamson (26) and Bradley Williamson (22) have been racing horses since they were about 18, supported by their horse trainer/owner parents Phil and Bev Williamson.
Mrs Williamson owns the horses, who are predominantly trotters, and Phil Williamson, trains them.
One of New Zealand’s leading trainers, he has trained 494 winners and is hoping to crack the 500 mark within the next few months.
He said it was "wonderful" to have all of his family involved in horse racing.
"It keeps the family together. Rather than them all leaving home, we’re got everyone here and they’ve all got input into everything. I get to work with my children every day."
Nathan lives in Invercargill and Matthew and Bradley live in Oamaru, on the same road as their parents.
Their sister, Jasmyn Williamson (24), lives in Christchurch and is not involved with horse racing, but has still made her mark on the family business. Several of the Williamsons’ horses have been named after her, including the race-winning Jasmine’s Gift, who won 17 races in New Zealand, including two Group One New Zealand events, and whose progeny is now racing.
Mrs Williamson said it was "great fun" having the family work and race together, although having more than one son compete in the same race at the same time sometimes presented a light-hearted conflict.
"You don’t know who to watch. You can’t cheer for any one of them because then someone will get upset."
Phil Williamson said he was proud of his sons’ success, Matthew and Bradley have both been New Zealand’s champion junior driver in past years , and Nathan has been runner-up twice. Having his first grandchild born on race day was the icing on the cake.
When the Otago Daily Times suggested he’d bred a successful family, he replied: "They say it all comes from the mare".
About 6000 people attended the Omakau Trots, which organisers called a successful country day race meet.
