Long time between wins for southern trotter

By Jonny Turner 

The enormity of Robert Wilson’s training performance was still sinking in hours after Wattle Hill ran to victory at Winton yesterday.

Wilson completed the rarest of feats when producing his five-year-old trotter to win her first start in two and a half years.

It is an accomplishment few trainers have beside their name, putting the Balfour trainer in rare company.

But during a reasonably quiet 2026 compared to recent seasons, Wilson is just happy to have his team back at the races.

“I suppose it is (a rare feat), I didn’t really think about it,” Wilson said.

“We just take things as they come these days and it is good to have her back at the races.”

Wattle Hill’s time away from the track was necessary at first, but it carried on longer than originally anticipated.

“She did have a bit of an issue and I had a bit of a hiccup with my health, so she sort of got put on the backburner.”

“The weather hasn’t helped things this year either, with the amount of rain we have had.”

“We need things reasonably dry to be working horses where we are.”

Despite her lack of recent racing, Wattle Hill produced faultless manners, which several of her rivals couldn’t.

Driver Nathan Williamson took the lead with 1700m left to run to set up her comeback win.

“She got tired late but she was entitled to, hopefully that race should bring on her fitness.”

“I like her, she’s a lovely wee horse.”

“She’s only a wee thing but she’s got brains and she doesn’t break too often.”

“I think she can do a pretty good job.”

Wattle Hill is from a family Wilson has had plenty of success with.

The mare is a half-sister to his handy performers Willangus Lad and De Vito.

The trotter is raced by her trainer alongside Peter Scully, Greg Davis, Murray McKeown, Ross McCutcheon and Kevin Schmack.

Wattle Hill’s win qualified her for a Gold Chip Final at Winton seven days later, with Wilson planning to target the race.