By Jonny Turner
Nothing went right for Smoke On The Water in the Tuapeka Lodge Tuapeka Cup except his winning result.
The Canterbury pacer made a successful southern raid when digging in bravely to win after sitting parked for much of the Ascot Park feature.
Smoke On The Water’s victory was a family affair with Matthew Williamson doing the driving for his brother-in-law Matt Purvis.
The pacer is also raced by Williamson’s father-in-law John Purvis, alongside Graeme McMaster and David Lawn.
While hopeful he had earned the position of favourite in-law in the Purvis family, Williamson admitted he isn’t banking on getting any special Christmas presents just yet.
“I’ll be the favourite after that win, but it doesn’t take me long to fall off the perch,” the reinsman quipped.
“But I am absolutely rapt to get the win for them, John is a big breeder and he has put a lot into the game and it is great to see him with a lovely horse, winning a nice race.”
“Matt is doing a great job with his team, too.”
Williamson was given what was supposed to be a vital instruction from before the Tuapeka Cup – avoid sitting parked.
But the reinsman had no option but to do exactly that when he risked being pocketed on the markers.
In the end, it was the right move and Smoke On The Water overcame sitting in a position he’s not a fan of in great style.
“Matt said one thing – don’t end up parked – but he was just too strong for them that last 100m, just too gutsy,” Williamson said.
Smoke On The Water has raced in strong company throughout the spring, making appearances in several New Zealand Cup lead-up events, running strong races.
“John was telling me his sectionals have been sensational at Addington,” Williamson said.
“When you get back at Addington and come wide it is so hard, but he has been going really good on the clock.”
“He is a lovely horse to drive.”
Williamson wrapped up Tuapeka Cup Day in the best possible style, winning its last three races.
The Oamaru horseman trained Flying Bird to win Sunday’s penultimate event with Kerryn Tomlinson weaving a winning passage for the mare to score a penalty-free victory.
Williamson was back in the winner’s seat to take out the Tuapeka Cup Day finale with Terra Sancta, who put two frustrating recent performances behind her with a dominant front-running victory.
