By Jonny Turner
While many Ascot Park racegoers had looks of shock on their faces, Matthew Williamson couldn’t wipe the smile off of his.
Williamson continued his dream harness racing season when Princess Sadie dashed home to win the Dancinginthedark M Southern Trotting Oaks.
Given the calibre of filly Princess Sadie is, there would usually be no real surprise in seeing her win such a feature race.
But when red-hot favourite Empire City was in front and cruising at the 400m, the victory needed to be earned.
Harness racing fans were denied a home straight showdown when Empire City blundered and galloped her way out of contention, with it revealed later that the incident was caused by one of her shoes coming loose.
While punters might have been left wondering what had been, Williamson only had one thing on his mind.
And that was the delight in seeing the trotter named after the eldest of his three children finally nail a feature-race win.
“It definitely is the biggest training win of my career and it is just so awesome to do it with this filly,” Williamson said.
“She has been the bridesmaid a lot and she really deserved to win a nice race.”
“It is so awesome for all involved that she has done it.”
Working alongside wife Charlotte, Williamson has charged up the training ranks after making a tidy start to his career to now leading the Otago-Southland training premiership with 34 wins so far this year.
Princess Sadie has been with the trainer for much of the journey, after he purchased her as a yearling for just $15,000 in 2022.
Williamson was quick to praise those who have helped him along the way following his career-high win.
“We have had a great run and it is a huge team around us.”
“Charlotte runs the ship and she deserves a huge amount of credit.”
“People like Barry White also, who have been there from the start.”
“He was helping me when I had about four horses and next to no idea what I was doing.”
With more than 1200 driving wins and having worked closely with his father Phil, it will be difficult for many to believe Williamson had few clues about preparing horses when he started.
Princess Sadie is raced by Charlotte Williamson, Charlotte, Summit Bloodstock, the Stir Fry Syndicate and Fred Donovan, who made the trip down from Auckland to take in Princess Sadie’s big win.
