Cath Williams Triumphs at Cheltenham in Emotional Debut Week
Cath Williams, the wife of trainer Evan Williams, celebrated her first Cheltenham Festival victory on Thursday, marking a poignant moment in a week overshadowed by her husband's legal troubles. The win came with Ask Brewster in the Rosconn Group Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup, just two days after she officially took over the training licence.
Licence Transfer Amid Court Conviction
On Tuesday, Cath Williams was granted the training licence following the conviction of her husband, Evan Williams, at Cardiff Crown Court. The jury found him guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent after he assaulted 72-year-old Martin Dandridge with a hockey stick in December 2024. The incident occurred on Williams' land in Llancarfan, Vale of Glamorgan, leaving Mr Dandridge with a fractured arm.
Sentencing has been adjourned until April 14 to allow for reports and for Williams to make alternative arrangements for his racing business in case of imprisonment. This legal backdrop added a layer of tension to Cath Williams' debut as a trainer at the prestigious festival.
Rapid Success on the Track
Cath Williams' entry into training has been remarkably swift and successful. Her first runner, Libberty Hunter, placed second in the Queen Mother Champion Chase on Wednesday. Just 24 hours later, Ask Brewster, ridden by jockey Shane Cotter, secured victory in the amateurs' race at odds of 22-1.
In a post-race interview, Cath Williams described the week as "emotional" and expressed delight at the outcome. "I'm delighted, it's been an emotional week and it is what it is, we'll deal with it," she said. "Our runners have finished first and second this week, what more can you ask. The two runs from our horses have been huge."
Jockey's Dream Realised
Shane Cotter, riding Ask Brewster, achieved his first Cheltenham Festival win, describing the moment as a lifelong dream come true. The horse led for most of the race and showed resilience to hold off Road To Home in the final strides.
"To have a ride here is unbelievable but to have a winner, I'm lost for words," Cotter said. "I can't thank the Williams team for putting me on this horse today and they prepared him beautifully. He jumped and travelled everywhere." He added that hearing Patrick Mullins approaching spurred his horse to push forward, showcasing its determination.
Cotter reflected on the significance of the victory, stating, "I've dreamt of this since I was seven or eight years old. I'm speechless." This win not only highlights Cath Williams' promising start as a trainer but also underscores the unpredictable nature of horse racing, where personal and professional challenges often intersect.
