New Zealand training trio end partnership due to failing economy
HUSBAND and wife team Peter and Dawn Williams have been forced to split from trainer Paul Richards due to tough economic times in the New Zealand racing industry.
The Byerley Park-based partnership were forced to make the decision earlier this week and until stake money gets better, co-trainer Peter Williams can’t see anything changing in the foreseeable future.
“It’s just a business decision and one that Dawn and I didn’t want to have to do, but until the stakes get better it’s just too tight,” Williams said.
“It’s been very amicable and we’ve got a lot of time for Paul – he’s a very good friend and a very good horseman and we have no regrets about the partnership.
“We’ve been quite successful, but it’s becoming harder and harder to keep afloat.
“We’ve only got about 25 in work so it’s not a big team and like I said, it’s a business decision and one we didn’t want to make but we weren’t left with a choice.”
Williams said the harsh New Zealand winter puts flat racing trainers in a tough position.
“The winter is coming and unless you’ve got jumpers there’s no earning capacity,” Williams said.
“The industry has got to make some decisions and soon. Racing has been my life and we’re not giving up, but we had to make some decisions and changes if Dawn and I are to keep going.
“It’s become really, really tough.”
Paul Richards will line up his first solo runner with Natuzzi in Saturday’s Group 1 NRM Sprint at Te Rapa where the talented eight-year-old is currently $11 at Sportsbet.com.au.
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