The 18-year-old is “nervous and excited” about her assignments and drives two for her employer Mark Jones.
“I’m very, very excited,” Williams said.
Meandad ($11.00FF) will take part in Race 6, the Skevingtons/SBT Marketing Trot over 2000 metres. The six-year-old Creatine gelding raced fairly on the business side of his recent assignments, and with a handy draw and the shorter ride today, Williams looks a decent shot at the top four.
“We’ve got a good draw and he’s quite well mannered. He’s a nice horse to ride for my first race day ride. Hopefully we can find a spot on the pins and have a good run home.”
In a quick turnaround, Williams jumps straight onto Stormy Vista ($7.00FF) in Race 7, the McLellan Freight LTD/Omalass Dried Molasses HCP Pace over 2000 meters. After a final start win at Ashburton, Stormy Vista raced in good form and should give Williams another chance at a top four finish.
“I wanted to ride him in the junior race, but he won the last start and didn’t qualify. He’s got pretty good manners too. He’s raced well, so hopefully I can give him a good ride.”
Williams comes into the industry with a family connected to the thoroughbred code. Her mother, Krystal Williams, has trained 139 winners from her Burnham base, while grandfather Kenny Rae has trained 410 winners from Ruakaka.
“It’ll be good to continue to get the drive and get my name out there more, and make some connections and just enjoy it while I do my best.”
Williams won the Stablehand Of The Year Award for the 2024 season, while another member of Jones’ team, Bailey Anderson, took home the same award last night for the 2025 Harness Racing New Zealand Awards, further demonstrating Williams’ praise for Jones as a teacher and mentor.
Williams worked at Jones’ stable for two years.
“Mark has done so much for me. He is a brilliant teacher – I still have a lot to learn from him.”
Jones is fielding only one other runner, Mystery Beach ($19.00FF), in the day’s program, the $20,000 Cutler’s Real Estate Waikouaiti Pacers Cup over 3000 meters.
Senior stable rider Samantha Ottley will provide the ride in the main field. Current favorite The Big Lebowski ($5.50FF) will look to add to last week’s Riverton Cup win for trainer Brett Gray and driver Blair Orange, albeit with a 40m impost.
For full race entries, click here.
Through Mike Lovefor Harness Racing New Zealand
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