Williamson taking first steps to becoming trainer

Brad Williamson
Brad Williamson
Oamaru has a new BMW dealership.

There are only two models on the shop floor but they both have their share of horsepower - literally.

Oamaru horseman Brad Williamson, whose initials are BMW, has recently embarked on a training career.

The accomplished reinsman and son of training great Phil Williamson is training from his property adjacent to his father's Ardgowan Lodge stable.

When quizzed about a possible name for his new stable Williamson said he had not settled on one yet, but BMW Racing was one of the names that was in contention.

Unsurprisingly, joining his father and brother Nathan' in the trainers' ranks is a long-held ambition for Williamson.

``It is something that I have always wanted to, so it is good to start taking some small steps towards becoming a trainer.''

Williamson started his career on a good note when Heez Belmont - his first runner to the races - ran second at last month's Tuapeka meeting.

The trainer's only other horse, Jeddy Ar Ya Ready, ran fourth in his first start for his new trainer at Invercargill last weekend.

Although he has started small, with just two horses, it is not Williamson's plan to keep it that way.

He is welcoming new stable clients and enquires of interest in the hope of expanding his operation.

``We are looking for horses and I am looking to grab owners if there are any out there that want to get into syndicates or buy a horse then we can get racing.''

The horseman is realistic about how long that will take, especially considering the challenges that setting up a new stable present.

``I want to get as big as I can as soon as I can, but unfortunately there are a lot of costs into trying to set yourself.

``Ninety percent of my time goes into Dad's horses at the moment, because they are my main income.

``So I only really have 10% of my time for my own horses. But, hopefully, one day it might be the other way around.''

Both of Williamson's stable runners will line up at the Riverton meeting at Invercargill on Sunday.

Heez Belmont, who could best be described as a talented work in progress, looks hard to beat in race 1.

``At the moment he is a bit wayward on the bends and doesn't like the grit in his face, but he will learn that.

``I think he will end up winning a few races, on his ability.''

Jeddy Ar Ya Ready will start from the tricky barrier 15 spot in a capacity field in race 6.


 

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