Ian Williams reaping the rewards of dedication

In recent seasons his stock on the Flat has risen and he now trains some very smart horses in both codes.

He is about to embark on his second adventure to Australia where he has Magic Circle running in the Melbourne Cup, one of the biggest Flat races of the year.

This year alone he is nearing the £1 million mark in prize money and he is going all out to try and achieve such a feat. It’s easy to see why he has been so successful because the facilities Williams has at his disposal are first class and the set-up as a whole is probably one of the most advanced in the country.

Geographically, he is perfectly positioned and can access a whole host of tracks with relative ease being so close to the motorway.

His biggest asset, though, is his uncanny knack of knowing exactly what each horse needs. Horse welfare is number one on the list of priorities and Williams and his team go out of their way to cater for each individual horse. Such care and dedication takes a lot of time and effort, but just now it seems they are reaping the rewards for such hard work.

Ian took time out of his busy schedule to show me around Dominion Stables on a lovely Monday morning in Alvechurch and we ran through some of his winter horses, some of which we will be seeing at our local tracks.

Banditry

Done really well on the Flat this season, probably running better than he ever has done. Rated 113 over hurdles which looks really favourable but he does need good ground to be seen at his best

Byron Flyer

Quite exposed over hurdles now but has schooled over fences and will be seen at courses such as Ludlow. He certainly has room for improvement and I look forward to seeing him over a fence.

Cause Toujours

Put up two great runs for us on his first two starts but was found wanting last time out. He doesn’t like the ground too soft so will be put away through the winter before coming back out in the spring.

Cracking Destiny

A good horse with plenty of scope. Owned by Grech & Parkin who are new owners to us. Has been disappointing previously but we will try and get him right and he will be seen to better effect in handicaps.

First Assignment

Ran a cracking race in the EBF final last year where he didn’t really like the ground but he has bloomed over the summer and has come back in looking good. He will remain handicap hurdling for now as I think he still has a decent mark but he will make a good chaser one day.

Gas Line Boy

He will have a lighter season this year and his first target will be the Veterans Final chase at Sandown. If he is in good form he may have another spin around Aintree in the Spring, possibly the National, more likely the Topham.

Getaway Mission

A nice young type who is well bred. Had an education last year but will run over hurdles this year. He again, should make a nice chaser in time.

Going Gold

I’ve been impressed with him so far and I see his future over fences. I think he will step up in trip soon as I view him as a proper staying chaser in the making.

Jack Reagan

Won very well at Market Rasen where he jumped well and settled well. He is engaged at the sales soon, though, and I think he will unfortunately end up in Australia, like his half-brother The Statesman.

King Of Realms

An embryonic chaser who has run well over hurdles. Should be seen out soon and will go straight over fences where he should be at home on a flat track.

Kapstadt

Has not won over fences yet but has put in several good runs. Picked up a small injury at Uttoxeter and he has been on the sidelines since when I should really have been making hay with him. Should be back soon and will carry on chasing. Admirable horse.

Michael’s Mount

Won well at Ludlow before running OK in the Dovecote. He has grown and filled out a bit and will be back around Christmas time. One we are looking forward to.

One More Fleurie

Reminds me a lot of Ballyalton and has a good presence about him. He has a good long stride which should stand him in good stead when he goes over fences in 18 months/two years time.

Red Infantry

Big hike after an impressive win at Warwick but didn’t jump as well next time. Had a decent break and could potentially start out back over hurdles. I think he has a fair hurdles mark and should win off his current mark.

Secret Legacy

Looking forward to seeing him chasing as I think he will much better over fences. He will be seen at his best when the ground is really soft.

Seven De Baune

Impressive bumper winner who perhaps didn’t beat much but did it well still. He will make a nice hurdler this season perhaps starting out in a maiden at Cheltenham at the end of the month. One we are all looking forward to.

Speedo Boy

Has a nice mark over hurdles considering his flat mark. Should do well in the Autumn and in the Spring and I’d be hopeful he could progress.

Idilico

A good horse on the Flat in France, he should improve enormously as a Flat horse but we are taking him jumping in the meantime. A horse I am really looking forward to running and eager to see how he gets on juvenile hurdling. (Won on debut last Friday)

Theossbehind

Back in training after missing last season after he picked up an injury when winning at Ludlow. He should progress and will be seen at tracks like Ludlow as he appreciates good ground.

Pyshedelic Rock

Due to go novice chasing in the autumn and I expect him to pick up some races before being put away for the winter.