Williamson enjoyed double success in Group 1 during New Zealand Cup Week, but not in his colours.
The Southern horseman is the breeder of Australian trotting star Gus, who won both the Dominion Trot and New Zealand Trotting Free-For-All in an epic assault on his homeland.
While it may have seemed to many that Williamson was having a handy cup week with decent results, behind the scenes it has been a chaotic month for the manager.
“Almost everything that could go wrong has gone wrong with every horse.”
“It was just one of those rides you can do with racehorses, with little things here and there, but they happen at the worst time of the year.”
“Everyone faces problems behind the scenes, we are no different from others, so keep going and do your best.”
Captains Mistress was among the horses that suffered setbacks, meaning she had been competing in THE VELOCITY first-up since July.
And it means the filly will complete the 2600 meters of the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks in second (8.07pm).
Although far from ideal, Williamson has not lost confidence in his filly.
“Personally I think she is the best filly in New Zealand,” said Williamson.
“That is my opinion and I say it with full respect for the other very good fillies she will race with.”
“I’m sure some of their trainers will feel the same way about their horses.”
“I just know what she is capable of.”
“Things haven’t been going exactly to plan lately.”
“The original idea was to go to Ashburton and qualify for the Nevele R Final so she would finish third in the Oaks with a class under her belt as well.”
“But we’re here now and she’s as good and as progressive as we can get her.”
Captains Mistress’s return to racing last week saw one of the most epic battles of three-year-old boys in recent times.
Although she was soundly beaten behind Got The Chocolates and Marketplace, there was good merit for her sixth place finish.
“I was quite happy with her efforts, when things turned sour it was only the competitive fitness that cost her that last bit.”
“She certainly won’t be any worse this week and I’m hopeful that run will have put her on her feet.”
“She has had it easy this week, she ran record times for a filly last week so we have recharged the batteries so she can go again on Friday evening.”
Williamson starts three runners at Group 1 level in Addington with Dreams Are Free in The Christian Cullen and Always Dreaming in the New Zealand Derby. Hidden Talent also starts in the Worthy Queen of Group 2.
The winning feeling, when one of his four starters steps up, will be a little different than the thrill of Gus’ recent wins.
While he was pleased to have bred and developed a true trotting star, Williamson was also thrilled to see broodmare Kylie Ree’s name highlighted.
“I was really happy for Kylie Ree because we lost her not long after she gave birth to Gus, after she got sick.”
“I was lucky that Brian McCully gave us the opportunity to breed her.”
“She was a nice racehorse and a sweet mare who did great.”
Williamson and wife Katie have three currently active broodmares, including a daughter of Kylie Ree in Hawaiian Hula.
For the full race entries, click here.
Through Jonny Turnerfor Harness Racing New Zealand
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