Of all the mini-competitions held at Forbury Park this season, the tipping competition in the racebook between local trainers, drivers and a "mystery tipster'' (who seemed to change throughout the season) drew the most banter.
Phil Williamson was a cut above this year, tipping winner after winner with his imaginary $10 each way to rack up $654 in "winnings'' for the 23 meetings at Forbury Park over the season.
The news, however, was not so good for middle son Matthew.
He was sitting in sixth place of eight going into last Thursday night, but a canny selection of Vanhalem by East Taieri trainer Martin Denton (who was in eighth place) took him past Matthew, as did a return of $10 for the "mystery tipster'' with Celestial Arden, leaving Williamson jun with the wooden spoon with $289.
The news isn't all bad for Matthew, as his father "won'' the wooden spoon two years ago, so there is hope on the horizon.
. . . but blood conquers all
But now that his older brother, Nathan, has claimed his 100th season win, and younger brother Brad has the junior drivers' premiership packaged up, Matthew's attitude this season deserves a mention.
Very early on the season, the family decided to give Brad a good crack at the premiership, which meant Matthew taking a back seat while Brad drove the stable's best chances.
And his attitude was summed up in the last two months when he called up the likes of Geoff and Jude Knight and told them to give Nathan their best drives rather than him, all in the spirit of helping his brother to 100.
Anyway, that's enough praise for Matthew.
The barbs will return in the next few weeks.
Jumping makes . . .
A statistic from Wingatui is worth mentioning. Of the jumps races held at Wingatui over the last two seasons, there was not a single horse or jockey (or both) which fell, according to figures kept by track manager Wayne Stevens.
With animal activists breathing down the industry's neck, you can't ask for much more than that.
. . . KC kris kross
Wingatui jockey KC Walters wasn't so lucky at Trentham on Saturday. He parted ways with Venerate in the maiden steeplechase and to say KC was unhappy with the situation would be like saying Jarryd Hayne has had a sporting dream or two in his life.
Unfortunately, his self-correcting behaviour - smacking his helmet with his whip in frustration - was caught by Trackside's cameras and was featured in a montage which has since been shared on social media.
It reminded Racing Matters of watching Sesame Street as a kid and giggling at piano player Don Music smacking his head on the keys, exclaiming "Oh, I'll never get it right''.
Don't worry KC, Don does figure out the tune in the end.
Lazy Fiver
Whatever you do, just keep following Flying Sardine after his very unlucky sixth at Oamaru.
Allison Stokke is an each-way hope in race 5 at Addington tonight.
