Twenty three year old Charlotte Purvis hoped her first win was going to be on a Phil Williamson trained trotter because that was always going to be the perfect start to her career.

That's what happened yesterday at the Northern Southland meeting when she drove Pyramid Magic to win the GJ Gardner Homes Handicap Trot. 

Phil is her employer and the trainer of Pyramid Magic and his son Matty Williamson is Charlotte's partner. 

"Yeah it was a great thrill especially being on one of Phil's horses. He's been right behind me the whole way," she said. 

Purvis has been interested in harness racing for a while, her father John having owned horses for a good number of years and her brother Matt, (currently working for Nathan Williamson), has been employed in the industry since he was sixteen. Her grandfather Les Purvis was a Stipendiary Steward in the Canterbury and Otago region.

Charlotte returning to the birdcage. – Photo Bruce Stewart

"I was into the pony club and went showing every weekend. The pretty side of horses. I met Matt two and a half years ago and that's when I first drove a horse." 

At that point she was working as a beauty therapist in Christchurch.

"Every weekend I'd come down to Oamaru, see Matt and work for Phil."

She's now been working fulltime for Phil for two years so has spent a bit of that time with Pyramid Magic. 

"He's always been my favourite and I've been driving him at trials. His manners are impeccable but he can get on the nickel. He knows me well." 

Yesterday's drive was only her nineteenth and she is thankful not only to Phil Williamson for his support but also to other trainers who've given her the opportunity to drive their horses. 

"Ross Wilson and Bruce Negus really supported me early on in my career." 

Purvis says once she had her first drive behind a trotter she was hooked but some of her family weren't overly keen on her pursuing it as a career. 

"I never thought I'd get out there on race day and give it a go. Matt (Williamson) pushed me. I wanted to give it a go but my Dad said 'do you know what you're getting in to? It's tough out there and not as easy as it looks.' I put my big boots on and said no, I can give it a crack."    

From the thirty metre mark Charlotte had Pyramid Magic away well, settling last of the nine horse field. When Jaccka Josh improved Purvis hopped onto his back and progressed forward. Jaccka Josh flattened out with 400 metres to run and Purvis pulled the right rein and hopped off his back. In a sharp burst of speed Pyramid Magic hit the lead at the top of the straight. Pegarose, which had trailed Pyramid Magic then came off his back, but the call 'Charlotte's in' by commentator Dave McDonald confirm her first win. The winning margin was a neck.

Pyramid Magic (9) beating Pegarose (6)     – Photo Bruce Stewart. 

"He was travelling nice the whole way and at the 400 metres I pulled him out and asked him to go. I was very worried at the finish when Nathan (driving Pegarose) came up. I thought he was going to get me. It was cool having Nathan beside me because he's been a big supporter too. Matty was stoked. It was cool to do a Williamson first four."

So all the Williamson family got a great view of their newest recruit winning. Brad was six and half lengths back in third and Matty was another three quarters of a length back in fourth. Phil and Bev were of course in the stand cheering. 

Bruce Stewart
Southland Harness Racing