Established Oamaru driver Brad Williamson has followed in his father Phil and brother, Nathan’s, footsteps by taking out a trainer’s license.

He had his first runner to the races – Heez Belmont - at Forbury Park on Sunday and it finished a fast-closing second in the maiden trot.

Williamson will take Jeddy R Ya Ready to Ascot Park on Sunday in search of that memorable first win.

“I’ve always preferred the training side of things rather than the driving, if I’m being honest,” he told The Informant.

“I love working in the background with the trotters and have always gotten a lot of satisfaction watching horses race and win for Dad that we have worked on together.”

Williamson has always part-owned Jeddy R Ya Ready, and played a big part in his winning debut at Gore back at Christmas time.

Heez Belmont, however, is an outside horse for a new owner that was acquired after a trial.

And Williamson is hoping it leads to more horses and more clients.

“I drove him in a learners trot at the Oamaru workouts one day for Donna Williamson and she said after the race that she was interested in selling him if I knew anyone.

“Well a friend of my girlfriend’s father, Doug Gollan, had sort of said he’d be keen on having a horse with me if I found the right one.

“When this fella came up, he grabbed him straight away after I told him I quite liked him.”

So, just like that, Williamson has himself an owner and an outside horse to train.

“He’s still very green and has a lot to learn, but he does have a bit of ability and I think he’ll be able to win his fair share of races once we get him sorted out.”

Sunday’s fields weren’t out before this edition’s deadline, but Williamson believes Jeddy R Ya Ready will go pretty close to winning his race.

“He’s been going great races lately, which has been good to see as he spent 90% of last season galloping.

“We are slowly building up his confidence and he’s starting to learn how to race properly.

“He should make it back to the winner’s circle shortly.”

While he may prefer the training, Williamson has really gotten off to a flying start as a driver this season, reining home eight winners, including three for Invercargill trainer Alister Black.

“It’s been good being able to hook up with Alister and his team.

“They are usually ready to go when they race and that makes it a lot easier from a driving perspective.”

Pre-draws, Williamson thought the Black-trained maiden Bettor Option would be a good bet this week.

“He would have gone close to winning both of his first two starts had he been given a decent steer.

“He’s been giving me a good feel and I think from the mobile this week, if he paces, he could be hard to beat.”