Williams Way, the horse who gave me my 200th winner as a trainer, died yesterday at the age of 24. He was an absolute gentleman, and everyone who knew him loved him.
My Head Lad, Chris Martin, rode Williams Way to six wins in all, including that memorable 200th winner for me. What a team they were. Chris now works for Archie Watson, but I can still picture the two of them together and the joy they brought to our yard.
Williams Way was wonderfully laid back. An absolute gentleman, he made life around the yard better simply by being there. Everyone loved him, whether or not they had seen him win.
Kerry and Williams Way
Kerry looked after Williams Way during his racing career and continued to care for him in retirement. She now works for Racing Welfare. She says her heart is broken; he was her world. Anyone who has loved a horse for that long will understand that this is the loss of a companion, not just the passing of a name from the racecard.
The bond between a racing groom and a horse reaches far beyond the racecourse. Kerry knew his habits and his character, cared for him through the daily work of training and stayed with him long after his last race. Years after the cheers had faded, she was still there for him. That is what a life after racing should mean: a horse remains someone’s treasured companion when there are no more races to win.
Williams Way reached 24 with Kerry at his side through both chapters of his life. Every racehorse deserves the chance of that second chapter. His story reminds us that the people who care for horses do not stop caring when their racing careers end.
I will always remember the day Williams Way brought up my 200th winner, and Chris bringing him home. But the wins are only part of his story. I will remember a gentle horse who was loved for himself, and Kerry, whose devotion gave him a life beyond racing. My heart goes out to her.