Bargain buy makes it win number seven

By Jonny Turner

Bargain buy Boarding Call delivered again at Addington on Friday afternoon when running to a deserved victory.

Matthew Williamson found clear air along the passing lane for the mare to take out race 3.

The win was Boarding Call’s seventh – she’s gone on to rack up six more victories than Williamson and wife Charlotte had hoped for when they purchased her in a gavelhouse auction.

“We got her off Gavelhouse, we were hoping she might win a race because we bought her as a broodmare.”

“We got her sight unseen, we watched her trials and she looked a bit rough in her gait but she had run a pretty good quarter so I thought she was worth a go.”

“We were hoping that she might strengthen up with a bit of time, which she has.”

“She is still a bit rough going but she is a genuine mare and she’s turned out to be a great buy.”

Boarding Call is still bound for the broodmare paddock, but she will race through the winter in the hope she can add to her CV.

“She should be competitive for a while yet, hopefully she can hold her form, she has been a little bit up and down lately.”

“It was a good win, if she can put another win or two on the board before she goes to stud it would be great.”

Williamson doubled up when making the most of his catch drive behind Dancing Desire in the First Autumn Mares Sprint.

The reinsman sat the four-year-old off the speed and she pounced best.

The victory continued a great association between trainer Ken Barron and Williamson, who has a strong record in the trainer’s colours.

“It is always good to drive for Ken, you know the horses are ready and he is great to drive for.”

“She’s a nice mare and it suits her if she can sit off a good speed and have the last say like she did tonight.”

Earlier on the Addington card, Steph’s Boy ran to victory in race 5 with driver Gerard O’Reilly wearing a black armband in memory of harness racing owner Todd Smith, whose funeral was held on Friday.

Harness Racing Unhinged’s Nigel Armstrong was there to capture the moment.

Hear more about Smith’s involvement in harness racing here