In recent months one of the real feel good stories of the harness game is that of Rachel Williams.
Rachel started out in the industry back in the mid 1990’s when she made the move from Victoria with her family. She had no background in the industry and it wasn’t until she acquired a standardbred as a riding horse when the bug started to hit. It was not long after that she decided to contact one of the state’s leading female trainers of all time in Shelley Barnes.
Shelley made a big impact on Rachel and that’s when she decided to get her own trainer’s and driver’s licence in the late 90’s which is something she always dreamed of from the first day she started working with them.
“It was Shelley that taught me everything I know today and if I ever need any advice, she is always the person I turn to,” said Williams.
Pocketball was one of the best horses Williams trained back in the early 2000’s winning five races and was driven by her close friend, the late Sharyn Slater. It was a third though in a heat of the Winter Championship at Harold Park in 2001 that may have been bigger than any of the wins.
“Tigger running third felt like we actually won the race as we were so proud of him. He’s always been part of the family and is still running around in the paddock today at the spritely age of 25,” Williams laughed.
The passion has always burned inside Williams and that came to a head two-years ago when she decided to get her trainers licence again. Soon after, Rachel and her father purchased Red Shed Robbie (pictured) together but tragically it wasn’t long after that her father Brian passed away. Holding a special place in Williams’ heart, she was determined to get Red Shed Robbie to the races and win a race with him.
“The horses have helped immensely with the healing process after losing my father,” said Williams.
Red Shed Robbie had been racing very well and it was his day to shine on 6 October 2019 in Launceston where he finally broke through for his first career win at start number 64. Keeping a maiden for 63 starts in itself shows the perseverance Williams has shown.
I’m sure they were a few tears shed that night as the win of Red Shed Robbie was special in many ways, and it’s a win that Williams will never forget.
The shining light in the Wiliams stable at present is Goggo Gee Gee who is a half-brother to star five-year-old Ignatius. Williams was able to acquire Goggo Gee Gee from the Rattray stable at a good price and he has since been a model of consistency. His run of good form was rewarded with a victory on 3 November in Launceston when he was able to work to the lead early and proved too strong for a handy field racing away to win by more than 10m.
“We’re hoping that he can make his present felt on the Country Cups circuit over the Christmas-New Year period,” said Williams discussing suitable targets for the horse.
Rachel’s was full of praise for close friend and regular driver Ben Parker who is a major part of her small team and is always close by to help out.
“I would be lost without him,” stated Williams.
“One of things that help with a small team is that I can give them plenty of tender loving care and in return all I want is to see them try their best when they go out on the racetrack,” Williams said proudly.
“I’m in the industry for the long haul as long my small team keep paying their way as it’s a great sport to be involved in,”.
