Canterbury reinswoman Darnika Williams will make her driving debut at the Waikouaiti meeting held at Oamaru racecourse today.

The 18-year-old is “nervous and excited” ahead of her assignments, driving two for her employer Mark Jones.

“I’m very very excited,” said Williams.

Meandad ($11.00FF) will line up in Race 6, the Skevingtons/SBT Marketing Trot over 2000m. The six-year-old Creatine gelding has been racing fairly at the business end of his recent assignments, and with a handy draw and the shorter trip today, Williams looks a decent top four chance.

“We have a good draw and he’s pretty well mannered. He’s a nice horse to be driving for my first race day drive. Hopefully we can find a spot handy up on the pegs and run home well.”

In a quick turnaround, Williams will jump straight on Stormy Vista ($7.00FF) in Race 7, the McLellan Freight LTD/Omalass Dried Molasses HCP Pace over 2000m. Coming off the back of a last start victory at Ashburton, Stormy Vista had been racing in fine form and should give Williams another shot at a top four placing.

“I was going to drive him in the juniors race but he won last start and wasn’t eligible. He’s also got pretty good manners. He’s been racing well so hopefully I can give him a good trip.” 

Williams comes into the industry with a family connected to the thoroughbred code. Her mother, Krystal Williams has trained 139 winners from her Burnham base while grandfather Kenny Rae has trained 410 winners from Ruakaka.

“It’ll be good to keep getting drives and getting my name out there more, and to make some connections and just enjoy it while doing my best.”

Williams won the Stablehand Of The Year Award for the 2024 season, while another of Jones’ crew, Bailey Anderson, took home the same prize last night for the 2025 Harness Racing New Zealand Awards, further demonstrating Williams’ praise for Jones as a teacher and mentor.

Williams has worked at the Jones’ stable for two years.

“Mark has done so much for me already. He’s a brilliant teacher – I still have a lot to learn from him.”

Jones lines up just one other runner on the programme, Mystery Beach ($19.00FF), in the day’s feature, the $20,000 Cutler’s Real Estate Waikouaiti Pacers Cup over 3000m.

Senior stable driver Samantha Ottley will take the drive in the big field. Current favourite The Big Lebowski ($5.50FF) will be looking to back up from last week’s Riverton Cup victory for trainer Brett Gray and driver Blair Orange, albeit with a 40 metre impost.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Mike Love, for Harness Racing New Zealand