Philip Williams and his love for ‘Rosie’
By Duane Ranger
“I’ve never seen so much of my Mum and sister in all my life,” joked Rangiriri breeder, Philip Williams.
He was referring to his mother Claudette and younger sibling, Fleur, who are both part-owners in the Williams co-owned and bred, chestnut gelding, Castana (Quaker Jet – Rosemaryz Luck)
The 2-year-old trotter, whose name means ‘chestnut’ in Spanish, has also brought a lot of joy to other co-owners like daughter, Alex, and Williams’ son Mike’s mates Andrew Gillson and Shaun Miles, and of course Williams’ wife, Karen.
“The horse has brought us all together, which is very nice. The best thing about it is they are all first-time owners. None of this would have happened had it not been for Dave and Clare (McGowan).
Castana at Alexandra Park with co-trainer Dave McGowan in the cart
“They are the best trainers you could ever want. They go over and above for this horse. He gets so much care and attention. And so does Kara Watson. It’s a real team effort.
“He’s a promising gelding. That’s his first win in three starts, and I think there will be more. I’m pleased Dave and Clare have a share in him as well,” Williams said.
Williams was referring to the McGowan trained Castana, who won race four at Alexandra Park last Friday (November 18). McGowan (Dave) did the driving.
If you thought Williams had big love for Castana, then try doubling it and then add a lot more when it comes to Williams’ affection for Castana’s mother – the 13-year-old Monarchy – Howz Lucky (by Sundon) mare, Rosemaryz Luck
“She saved me. ‘Rosie’ came into my life when things weren’t easy, and now more than a dozen years later, not only has her beautiful personality drawn me to her, but she has also left me six foals,” Williams said.
“I love her to bits. Her progeny has now won 53 races, Castana is proving to be a ‘wonder-horse’, but I don’t think he will be as good as his older half-brother, Majestuoso, who should start the next Interdominion favourite, ” he added.
The Waikato screen printer said Sean McCaffrey trained Rosemaryz Luck for most of her eight starts (three placings), until she was retired to the broodmare’s paddock on January 29, 2012.
“I was in a Syndicate that owned her, and then when the horse retired, we bought her outright and started breeding from her in late 2012. We thought why not, she had great bloodlines that led back to Easton Light, Greg Robinson and Miss Debra.
“Then in November 2013, ‘Rosie’ produced her first foal – a Great Success colt named Need Luck. We did a deal with Alabar and they bred the first two foals and then we came in with Andrew Bublitz on the third.”
Rangiriri Breeder Philip Williams
Foals two and three were the 2015 Majestic Son colt, Majestuoso and his 2016 full brother, Romeo Foxtrot.
Majestuoso never raced in New Zealand. He was purchased by Ricky Alchin at the Weanling Sales and is now arguably the best trotter in Australia.
He is a multiple Group One winning gelding who has currently won 25 of his 54 starts and placed in 17 others for $603,790. He also boasts a 1:54.6 mile rate.
“He’ll be hard to beat in the Interdominion Final. It’s an absolute honour to know that ‘Rosie’ is his Mum. Ricky gave him the Spanish name and I liked it, and that’s why all my foals now have a Spanish flavour,” Williams said.
Foal three, Romeo Foxtrot won three races in New Zealand and then after him came the 2017 Peak colt, Igniting Stride.
We sold Igniting Stride at the Yearling Sales for $24,000. He won three of his 10 starts and then placed in four more.”
Castana is Rosemaryz Luck’s second last foal, but Williams is even more excited about the rising one-year-old Sebastian K filly that was born October 27 last year.
“Her name is Bella Muchacha (Beautiful Girl), and she’s absolutely beautiful. I’ve fallen in love with her and even though she’s set to go to the Yearling Sales next year I can’t bear the thought of letting her go.
“‘Rosie’ missed to Helpisontheway this year, and Bella Muchacha is the only filly in six foals.
“But then again ‘Rosie’ is only 13. She has plenty of breeding years left in her yet. I can’t put in words how happy she has made not just me, but a lot of my family,” Williams said.
“To say I love her is a huge understatement,” he added.