Two chances for Charlotte Williamson at Oamaru today

By Jonny Turner

Charlotte Williamson will be out to chase down her first win since returning to the sulky at Oamaru today.

The junior driver has returned to race day driving recently after taking an extended break after having her three children with husband Matthew.

Judging by some of her drives, Williamson hasn’t lost her touch while being out of the sulky.

“I am loving being back, I am just fitting in the driving where I can,” she said.

“The kids will always be the top priority but I am driving when it suits and so far everything is going well.”

Matthew Williamson is on dad-duty while Charlotte is driving at the races and driving trackwork at the couple’s stables.

If both are out on the track, it is up to both family and the stable’s staff to keep a close eye on Sadie, Leila and Carter Williamson.

“My mum makes the trip down from Christchurch quite a lot,” Williamson said.

“Our staff Brooke Fodie and Alana Oldham, as well as Barry White and Teria McKay, quite often look after the kids.”

“It is a real team effort and we are lucky to have a great team around us.”

“Sadie is about to start school soon, so that might make things a bit trickier.”

“We will see how things go and try to work the driving in where I can.”

Williamson will attempt to win her first race since February 2020 when she combines with two horses trained by her husband at Oamaru today.

Coming off the unruly looks a big boost for Haley Robyn in race 5.

Though the mare will need Williamson to pick a path for her from barrier 7.

“She has been going some nice races off the unruly,” Williamson said.

“Coming off the unruly helps but she has still got a bit of a tricky draw.”

“If she gets the right run she can be an eachway chance.”

Williamson will be out to help Winning Bones continue his great form in race 7.

The trotter was a dominant winner of his last start at Ascot Park.

Though Winning Bones steps into a harder grade today, Williamson is hopeful the horse’s manners can help him continue his strong form.

“He has been going great lately.”

“It is a bit of a step up into a harder grade for him, but his manners should take him a long way.”

“Hopefully he can put himself in a good spot and go another good race.”