Duchess back in the winners circle

Duchess Maria (Father Patrick) showed all her qualities at Ascot Park today when she easily won a handicap trot.

She stepped away well from the 30 metre mark for trainer driver Nathan Williamson who settled the three year old filly at the back of the pack.

With 450 to run Williamson opened Duchess Maria up and with a full head of steam she sped around the field, took the lead on the turn and shot away to win by three and three quarters lengths from Father Ned.

DUCHESS MARIA REPLAY

“Matty’s one (Axel Rose) made a wee mistake and he was going to be the main danger. There were some nice horses but she’s special,” Williamson said.

Owned by Katrina and John Price the win was her fifth in six starts.

“The idea was to bring her here today. It’s not a flash stake which is disappointing for her. I said to the Prices we might just have to take some small fish because we’re looking at the New Zealand Trotting Oaks and the New Zealand Derby and they’re both 2600 metre mobiles. She’s never raced more than the sprint trips. I felt we should have a couple of 2700 metre races on her home track and build to the New Zealand Oaks.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink