Williamson was in front shortly after the start of the 2200m c0 trot and kept the imposing son of Peruvian Hanover up to his task, holding off a late bid from One Yankee Hall to win by a nose.
Hanson had engaged Williamson to drive the 8yr-old for the last five starts for one reason - he believes Williamson is without peer in the sulky.
''I reckon you could put that guy on an old cow and he'd get it trotting,'' Hanson said.
''I think he's the best trotting driver around.''
The driver might be easy to work with, but Lima Lad has proved more of a challenge to the Smaills Beach trainer.
''I had to work at him all the time - I don't know how many times I've changed his feet [shoeing],'' he said.
I've got aluminums [shoes], I've got steel ones - you name it, it's on.''
If it wasn't the feet, it was Lima Lad's mind keeping Hanson on his toes.
''He was a bit of a rogue - he used to duck off on me. He's such a big strong bugger that he'll run you off the track.
''I got his feet right so his nature came around.''
The feet were still a work in progress as late as Wednesday night, as Hanson extended the shoe on the offside hind hoof.
''I've only just put that offside [hind] foot the way I wanted it, and to be honest, I only did that last night, so it was his first run on it, although I gave him a jog on it this morning.''
The c1 grade now beckons for Lima Lad, and his winning time of 2.53.4 gave Hanson hope he could compete against his new rivals.
"I didn't think he was ready to step up but then I look at the time he went and it's not bad, is it?''
Brighton trainer Graeme McLay has needed to show similar patience to Hanson as he searched for the secret to Armori.
The Sundon mare had been out of the winner's circle for almost two years until she showed her true talents in the c1 trot last night after sitting parked for the last lap.
McLay, who also drove the 6yr-old, said a change in the mare's fortunes appeared imminent judging by her efforts at the trials and workouts since her fifth at Forbury Park on January 29.''
I've still had a lot of muscle issues with her. I'm getting them ironed out . . .
''I had a chiropractor to her at one stage and that definitely helped. And I've changed a wee bit of gear - I've taken boots off and put bandages in behind.''
