800 New Zealand wins for Williamson

Oamaru trainer Phil Williamson achieved a milestone victory of eight hundred New Zealand training wins at Addington last night when Love N The Port won the Woodlands Stud Thanks Buyers' Handicap trot with driver, and son, Matthew Williamson.

"It's a big team effort. To get to a figure like that is a big effort," said Williamson in a post-race interview.

Williamson looked set to achieve the goal with three runners in the seven horse field, with a stable quinella eventuating when Empire City ran second with driver Ricky May. Williamson's other runner Jimmy Carter made an error short of the first bend and was never in contention.

Love N The Port began well from his forty metre handicap to settle four back on the fence. A patient Matthew Williamson drive saw the pair move into the one-out, one-back position at the seven hundred metre mark. With plenty of horse, Williamson tracked behind Cormoran Strike before peeling at the top of the straight to go on to win dominantly by two lengths from stablemate Empire City.

The majority of Williamson's winners have come with trotters and they are a household name for anyone involved or interested in harness racing.

"I just have a liking for the trotters. I had a theory that it was impossible to go to the sales when you've got a small amount of money and buy into a decent pacer, but you could buy a Sundon relatively cheaply on the trotting side."

"Winning the Dominion (2009) with Springbank Richard (driven by son Nathan Williamson) it was fantastic. Jasmyn's Gift won the trotting Free for All (2006) on show day which was a big thrill, and the Victorian Derby with Springbank Richard. Allegro Agitato was another lovely horse we had, and Majestic Man in recent years. One Over Kenny may've been one of the best horses I've ever had. We've been very lucky."

With his first season in 1993 as a trainer, also came his first winner Role Model whom he drove at Forbury Park. Williamson has now gone on to taste thirteen group one successes and accumulated total stake earnings of $9.2 million. He has also driven three hundred and thirty three winners in the sulky.

Williamson started out working for Dick Prendergast - whose colours are now sported by Matthew Williamson.

"Dick was big with the trotters. That's where I learnt a lot about the game. I learnt a lot about techniques. He was a great stockman.

"Bev (Phil's wife) has played a big part. Especially with raising a family and following us into the game. We've all had a lot of success."

Between Phil and his sons Nathan (443), Matthew (102) and Brad (121), they've a combined total of 1,466 winners in New Zealand.

The Williamson whanau received an award for Outstanding Contribution to Harness Racing Award in the 2016/2017 season which exemplifies the extent and depth the Williamson's have in the Harness Racing New Zealand community.

"We are working with a team of about fifteen currently. The staff play an important part. You can't do it all yourself. Steve Allen has been with me for years, and Kaleb Bublitz the last couple."