Aussie pacer changing gaits and countries

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk 

Phil Williamson loves a challenge and now he's got a brand new mission.

"I'm really looking forward to it actually," says the Oamaru-based Williamson, who's acknowledged as one of the great trainers of trotters with over 800 career successes. 

His latest project is a Group-winning seven-year-old Art Major gelding He Aint Fakin.

As a pacer he's had 13 wins from 48 starts across the Tasman. 

Now he's in New Zealand to begin the second stage of his racing career, as a trotter.

Williamson was approached by He Aint Fakin's trainer Chris Frisby.

"He said the horse was finding it difficult in the higher grades. He's got to race Leap To Fame and co over there ," says Williamson, "and he had shown an inclination to trot so wondered if he could send him over."

On seeing some video of the horse trialing as a square-gaiter Williamson agreed.

"He went great. It was a mobile trot and he is still a work in progress so we'll just how it goes."

In Australia any horse changing gaits keeps its original rating whereas in New Zealand the horses go back to square one. 

"He (Chris Frisby) said 'it's better him being a maiden trotter in New Zealand than me having him as a Free For All trotter in Australia'", says Williamson.

He Aint Fakin has already landed in New Zealand and is expected at Williamson's barn during the week.

"His first test will be the standing start. And he has to be faultless to get his ticket," says Williamson

"We think it's worth a try."

All going well the converted pacer will head to the trials "as soon as we can get him going."

He'll have plenty of quality trotters around him, with Williamson's team spearheaded by the likes of 2023 Rowe Cup winner Love N The Port, Tarragindi, Empire City and Jimmy Carter.