Williamson wins first Southern Oaks

Bruce Stewart Contributor

Southland harness racing trainer Nathan Williamson has won most Southern Harness features, and today he added the $60,000 Group Two Macca Lodge/Nevele R Southern Oaks Final at Ascot Park to the list.

Flying Ellie heads out to the track Bruce Stewart

Third favourite Flying Ellie (Art Major) showed her liking for the longer distance when in the hands of Nathan’s brother Matthew, she came up the middle of the track to nab pacemaker Aardie B Miki (Always B Miki) and win by half a length.

“She travelled really well. Timmy (Aardie B Miki’s driver Tim Williams) put the gas on a bit coming round the last bend and my filly got off the bit. Straightening up she jumped onto the bridle again. Halfway down I wasn’t too sure, but she just got stronger all the way down the straight,” Matthew said.

Flying Ellie winning the Oaks at Ascot Park Bruce Stewart Photo

Flying Ellie was always going to show her best form over the 2700 metre distance after finishing second in the Northern Oaks.

“She’s a good follower of speed over those longer distances.”

Flying Ellie winning connections and sponsors Bruce Stewart Photo

Earlier in the programme Nathan drove Winning Bones (Monkey Bones) to win the Caduceus Club of Southland Trot for Matthew.

“It was great to return the favour in a nice race. He’s obviously doing an awesome job training wise. This horse was beautiful to drive and obviously very well prepared for today.”