Williamsons have day out at Cromwell

By Jonny Turner 

Most horses love grass, but Domination’s Call takes it to new levels.

The Oamaru trotter added to his outstanding record on turf when powering to victory in the Cromwell Trotters Cup in front of a bumper crowd on Tuesday.

Domination’s Call has a more than respectable record on all-weather tracks which includes breaking the Winton 2400m track record in February last year.

But despite the obvious differences between the two surfaces, trainer-driver Brad Williamson is convinced his horse is faster on grass.

“I have never had a horse like it that he could actually sprint up better on the grass than on the grit which is really weird.”

“He’s won today, he’s won well here before, he’s a lovely old grass campaigner.”

Domination’s Call is raced by Ray and Joan Scott of St. Andrews who have enjoyed plenty of success with the progeny of their 10-race-winning broodmare Domination.

“His owners bred him and most of his rellies, they raced the mare,” Williamson said.

“They are in their eighties now and he has been the gift that keeps on giving for them this old fella.”

“He is a lovely natured horse, they spell him at home and feed him carrots and look after him when he is having a break.”

“It is a pleasure every time he wins one.”

Frustration turned to elation in the matter of 40 minutes for Williamson with his Cromwell Cup runner Tabasco having to be retired with broken gear before Domination’s Call powered away to an impressive five and three-quarter-length win.

There were few frustrations for Williamson’s brother Matthew at Cromwell on Tuesday as he completed a hat-trick of wins before taking out the Shannon Farm Cromwell Cup with Hacksaw Ridge.

Like Domination’s Call, Hacksaw Ridge is a grass track star who just completed a successful West Coast raid, bagging the Westport Cup and running fourth in the Reefton Cup.

Hacksaw Ridge made the most of his front-line handicap by making a smart beginning for Williamson which set up his feature race win.

“He is a great grass track horse and Ricky has done a great job with him.”

“He began really well to get in the right spot.”

Williamson also drove Ultimate Perfection and Harriet’s Moment to victory at Cromwell, as well as training and driving Major Boy to victory.

The combination of Mark Jones and Samantha Ottley was in great form at Cromwell producing a winning treble with Mighty Flying Miki, Seaside Croft and Wanna Play A Game.

The first of those saw Jones reach 900 training wins in New Zealand.

Jones’ tally goes well beyond 900 victories with his wins in Australia, as well as those in the thoroughbred code.