Episode 330: Gayna Williams

Great to catch up with a doyen of western districts racing! Gayna recalls the thrill of her first training win with Scarlet Vixen at Orange in 1985. She paid $1400 for the filly at an Inglis sale. She talks of her marriage to Frank Williams and a sudden move to Grafton in 2010. She may still be there had Frank not been offered a job at Gulgong. Gayna talks about seven successful years of training at Mudgee, and a return to Bathurst as recently as 2020. The talented horsewoman rode trackwork for thirty years but knee problems now keep her on the ground. Gayna says she was relatively injury free during her many years on the training tracks. She acknowledges the special horses who’ve helped to keep her at or near the top of the trainer’s ladder for many years. Gayna makes special mention of recent winners like From The Bush, Zoo Station and Tags who are chasing more wins. The trainer expounds on the benefits the TAB Highways have brought to country owners and trainers. Gayna pays tribute to her elderly parents, now in retirement at Port Macquarie. She’s reluctant to name favourites when it comes to the jockeys who’ve helped her along the way. She had to be coaxed. It’s a laid back chat with an outstanding horse trainer.