By MIKE DILLON
Even before the fields were declared Matthew Williamson knew he wanted to be at Hastings on Saturday.
The Takanini jockey wanted to see Starcraft.
If he could ride a winner on the programme it was a bonus.
"I've only seen one champion live - Sunline - and this was a chance
to see another one," said Williamson after his bonus, Senorita Ivory, stylishly downed the hot favourite Samurai.
Further down the line Williamson might decide that travelling south to take the Senorita Ivory ride was a good enough reason on its own.
The Takanini filly looked exceptionally smart in overcoming a tardy start then settling last in running.
The stride extension she displayed when she looked certain to finish second to Samurai was the tip to the future prospects.
It was only in the last three strides Senorita Ivory claimed the favourite, but Williamson said he was always confident of getting up.
"She was never going to be beaten," he said as he dismounted.
"I wish you'd told me," said co-trainer Richard Yuill.
It was the 100th win for owner Herbie Dyke, who is recovering from heart bypass surgery and was unable to be at the track.
"Her work has been enormous since she has been wearing a hood," said Williamson.
"The way she finished off today, she's going to run a trip [middle distance]."
* You are never too old to learn new tricks.
Mark Sweeney learned one on Saturday when he rode Leigh Valley with only one rein in the $50,000 Highview Stakes.
"Gutting," was how Sweeney described the occasion, not so much because of the danger aspect, but because he rated the filly's chances highly.
Without being able to be helped, Leigh Valley dropped out to finish last.
