Tim Williams could not have been better dressed for his 800th driving win in New Zealand on Aardie B Miki at Winton yesterday.
Williams weaved a path for the 3-year-old to be able to sprint best to seal the milestone victory in the colours of his home base, Stonewall Stud.
Delighted to score his 800th victory, the reinsman could not think of better colours in which to notch his milestone victory.
"It’s a big thrill. Obviously great to get these colours on — they’re a big part of what I do these days," Williams said.
"It couldn't have come in a better set of colours."
The Cantabrian was also thrilled to notch the victory while on a working holiday in Southland with partner Aimee Edmonds and their two sons.
"It is really cool. We have obviously been down for the last week or 10 days and we’ve been well looked after and they’ve really enjoyed the trip."
Williams' career began with the Robert Dunn stable in Canterbury before the talented reinsman stopped off in Southland to work for trainer Wayne Adams, before his tenure at the powerful All Stars barn.
Although Williams did not spend as long in the South as he has with Canterbury trainers, he was quick to acknowledge the impact of his southern stint on his career.
"A big thanks to everyone along the way. I couldn’t have done it without every single one of them."
It was not long after Williams left Southland that he drove the first of what would go on to be 18 group 1 victories that make up his 800-win tally.
The latest of those came in the Stonewall Stud colours with another talented filly in Aardiebytheseaside in the New Zealand Oaks.
Whether Aardie B Miki can reach those heights is yet to be seen, but she does have plenty of improvement in her as she is yet to fully switch on to the racing game.
"She is getting better all the time. She is a little bit green," Williams said.
"Obviously in front early, she was having a good look at everything."
"I think this trip will be the making of her, and she will get a bit of ringcraft under her."
"Hopefully when she comes back later in the season for the [Southland] Oaks, she will put her hand up again."
As well as his 800 victories in New Zealand, Williams has won eight races in Australia, including the group 1 Victoria Oaks with Piccadilly Princess in 2016.
