Racing, like time, lives by the clock! It moves on, names appear, reappear but eventually are counted over by a new breed. That’s just how it is. On Friday at Goulburn’s Christmas race meeting both new and old are spot lit.
Apprentice and racing ‘next genner’ Hannah Williams will look to continue her recent ‘festive’ form after delivering a confident on pace win aboard Big Ray (Lucy Longmire) at Nowra last Sunday. She also went top two at Canberra two days prior on the in-form Mittata (Emma Longmire). A month back she also rode consecutive city placings in a twenty-four-hour period.
Williams is part of a strong group of young riders currently learning their craft in the South East, and she couldn’t be happier doing anything else.
“I’ve ridden horses since I could remember, I grew up riding ponies and went onto pony club and eventing so I was always bound to find a career in the equine industry,” Williams highlighted.
“After riding track work for a long time I wanted to make something of it and became an apprentice jockey! It’s most definitely turned into my dream job. I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else!”
Originally from Albury/Wodonga where she rode a lot of track work for Craig Widdison and others, Williams is now apprenticed to Danielle Seib.
“I moved to Wagga to start my apprenticeship in NSW and I’ve been in Goulburn for a year now with Danielle and loving it.”
She feels she’s been lucky to have the support of many people in the industry in her fledgling career.
“I’ve got an incredible support system in Danielle and her team, my family are great to lean on as well. I’ve had great support from many trainers here and interstate including Craig Widdison, Dan McCarthy, Matt Dale and Danny Williams who have been happy to put me on a few in town.”
“I also had a lot of luck for Norm Gardner in riding Delacour to consecutive wins against city opposition! I’m very grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given from all trainers!”
Williams also ‘thanked’ current partner and fellow jockey Nick Heywood as a big help!
“The main one would have to be my partner Nick Heywood, especially early days in my apprenticeship and still very much so now to help with my riding…. he gives a very honest critique!!”
In a testament to her talent Williams is being rewarded with rides at country, provincial and city level with the end of this week a prime example.
She has two rides at Goulburn before entering the city limits at the Canterbury night meeting with a ride for Danielle Seib (Charlemagne- Race 7), backed up by an appearance at Royal Randwick on Saturday in Race 8 (Superazi $11 TAB for Ben Brisbourne).
At Goulburn Williams’ will ride Lady Kah (Emma Longmire) in Race 3 The Ultimate Horse Shop Class 3 Hcp over 1200m. The mare had won two from three before disappointing first up at Warwick Farm, however Williams is keen to do her bit in helping the upside mare bounce back.
“I’ve been able to sit on her a couple of times now at track work and I think she is going super, back on her home track, she’s drawn well, she’s had that run under her belt now too.”
Williams also rides top weight Banger for Craig Widdison in Goulburn’s feature, the Jewell Builders Fred Cooper Cup (1600m).
Edition number thirteen of the race a timely reminder of a club legend not that long lost to us whose generous nature and time committed to country racing will never be forgotten.
‘Fred’ gave thousands of hours to the progress of Goulburn racing. He served as President, Vice President, Lord of the Lawn Mower and ‘general stirrer’ at both the new and old racetracks.
His tireless efforts helped play a major part in making Goulburn one of the most competitive racing surfaces in NSW.
Goulburn Race Club CEO Robyn Fife says the club recently unveiled a new memorial garden in Fred’s honour.
“Fred was involved in the Goulburn District Race Club in some capacity for more than forty years! An amazing achievement that can never be overstated,” Ms Fife said.
“Without his drive and passion supporting this club there is no doubt that our progress would have been slower in that time and country racing all the poorer.”
The Jewell Builders Fred Cooper Cup (1600m) is Race 2 on Friday’s seven race card at Goulburn and timed to go at 2.25pm.
Goulburn’s track is currently rated a Soft 6 with summer temperatures predicted Thursday and Friday.
PHOTO – BRADLEY PHOTOS – Hannah Williams
- Goulburn Mulwaree Council are proud supporters of Goulburn & District Racing Club
- Goulburn Soldiers Club are proud long term sponsors of Goulburn & District Racing Club
