Mumsdawitch puts the icing on Williamson’s winning weekend

There was only one problem for Matthew Williamson at the end of his magical trotting weekend – it had to end.

Williamson produced Master McGoogan to win the Group 3 The Sundon Two-Year-Old Classic at Addington on Friday night after Tactical Bid ran to a slick middle-grade victory.

The trainer’s trotting form continued at Gore when Special Son and Mumsdawitch (Royal Aspirations) both ran to strong wins.

Mumsdawitch cleared out to score by more than six lengths to notch the second win of her short career.

MUMSDAWITCH REPLAY

With a host of feature races approaching in the spring, Williamson has the option of seeking more Group race success for his stable with the filly.

But first he will come up with a cunning plan for Mumsdawitch.

“We will just have to have a think there because it is such a strong crop of three-year-old fillies.”

“It was originally the plan to look at the better races because we think she is pretty smart.”

“It is a very rich year, so we might tuck in and take other options, we will just see.”

Mumsdawitch added to her future options when running out her 2700m assignment strongly.

After building up her ringcraft, the filly is turning into an all-round performer.

“The distance was the only bit I was worried about.”

“She went really well over 2000m last start, but she was really strong at the end and trotted really well.”

“We changed a bit of gear with her along the way to make her a bit happier and we definitely seem to be on the right track now.”

Williamson credited his longtime farrier Barry White for helping Special Son break through for his maiden victory.

The trotter had produced placings earlier in his campaign but his form had tapered off in his last two starts leading into his Gore win.

Williamson and White worked on the horse’s shoeing in between runs and it paid impressive dividends at Gore.

“Barry has had a part to play there – we changed his shoes this week and altered them quite a lot.”

“Barry is obviously a huge part of our stable and he has done a great job.”

“The horse seemed in the zone this week and with the change of shoeing he definitely benefitted.”

Nathan Williamson drove Special Son to victory while Matthew scored with Mumsdawitch, as well as the Brett Gray trained Haley Jaccka.

The mare overcame a 20m handicap to score a front-running victory in Sunday’s feature pace.

Haley Jaccka had the first two starts of her campaign in Canterbury and she will soon return there for her next run.

Gray is weighing his options, which include next month’s Methven Cup.

For complete race results, click here.

by Jonny Turner for Harness Racing New Zealand