Nathan Williamson back on track and winning races

By Jonny Turner 

Nathan Williamson didn’t need to produce the runaway winner of the MLT Gore Cup to have an outstanding day at the races on Saturday. 

Williamson returned to a southern race meeting for the first time since fracturing his skull and being placed in an induced coma earlier this month to watch Always Dreaming leave his rivals in his dust.

Always Dreaming set up his victory by mirroring his trainer’s progress when making a brilliant beginning for driver Matthew Williamson.  

Williamson has taken remarkable strides forward in the fortnight since his freak accident at Alexandra Park, where his sulky seat broke at top speed.

While thrilled with his win, the star trainer was understandably grateful just to be in a position to go to the races.

“To be honest, I am just thrilled to be here. You don’t really ever imagine that you will be in this position, but it certainly makes you grateful for everything you have got.”

While he clearly had been unable to have a hands-on role in the build-up to Always Dreaming’s victory, there is no doubt the pacer had the Williamson polish on.

When Williamson had his accident, he was campaigning horses in Auckland, but left his staff detailed work lists, setting his horses up for their big targets over the holiday circuit.

Those staff, including Oliver Kite, Max Hill, Georgia Goodman, Chelsea Faithful, Rachel Wallace and Ross Jones, then kept the horses exactly where they needed to be.

The plans for Always Dreaming centred around the Gore Cup, with Williamson itching to get the pacer to a 2700m standing start.

“This is the first time I have been able to get him to a 2700m stand.”

“He has raced over 2600m from behind the mobile in the New Zealand Derby behind Marketplace.”

“He’s a lovely staying horse and has great manners, so I thought he could make the kind of beginning he made today.”

“From there, Matty never really gave the others a look in, it was a great drive.”

Williamson was joined in the winner’s circle by wife Katie, who was at his side throughout his recent stay in Auckland Hospital.

The couple’s three children, Millie, Lachie and Louie, were also at Gore to cheer home their father’s team.

Uncle Matthew’s popularity took a massive upward turn with his nephews and niece after guiding Always Dreaming to his front-running win.

Just two races prior, that popularity had plummeted after he drove the Phil Williamson trained Jimmy Carter to beat Nathan’s Clotilde Wainwright in the Gore Trotters Cup.

While Phil was pleased to see his veteran trotter back in winning form, he was just as thrilled to have son Nathan out of hospital, back in the south and back at the races.

“To have Nath back is worth more than any win, and to have him back and well so quickly is remarkable.”

“It is a big thanks to Auckland Hospital, they did such a fantastic job.”

The Williamson wins kept coming on Gore Cup day, with Matthew adding to his cups double when he scored with Pyramid Rose from his own stable.