After another respectable season, in which she finished sixth in the Trainer’s Championship, I think it will be interesting to see whether the former jockey turned trainer, Venetia Williams can break into the elite over the next few years. The first time I came across, first-hand was at Uttoxeter races in 2008 when she earned a couple of places and I made a mental note to keep an eye on her progress.
Williams has generally been considered as “best of the rest”, when it comes to trainers – often overshadowed by the likes’ of male powerhouses, Paul Nicholls, Willie Mullins, Nicky Henderson and Dan Skelton, though over the last couple of years, she has made quite the splash.
Her pedigree and reputation, I think, speaks for itself. She is clearly respected in the sport and for the 2023/25 season, she scooped an impressive £1.49 million in prize money with 56 winners.
While she may not have as many horses in her stable compared to Mullins et al, the ones she does have are often considered prime candidates when they’re run.
Could Williams Crack Into The Elite?
The trouble for Williams at the minute is ‘the boys club’ when it comes to horse racing – each of the top trainers have their own method. Mullins plays the numbers game, while also having some sensational pedigrees, while Nicholls usually goes for the ‘big-guns’ – even though Mullins has overshadowed him in recent years.
However, Williams does appear to have some serious potential contenders emerging in addition to a couple of star chasers that can make an impact as early as nect year.
L’Homme Presse and Royal Pagaille are two that have significant calibre, able to take on and, I think, on their day, take on the very best.
They will certainly be ones to watch next year and, no doubt Williams will be targeting some big races in which to enter them.
Up-and-comers include King of Records who is emerging as a seriously good novice, while Bucksy Des Epeires, Demnat and Galop De Chase are ready to make the step up and leave the novice class behind them. Keep an eye on these three.
Williams Should Be Looking To Challenge The Top Two
I really don’t see any reason why Williams cannot challenge both Mullins and Nicholls for the crown. Henderson appears to have a knack of collapsing right when it matters – I really don’t know why this is, though it would be good if he could put up a challenge as well I think.
So, I think next season could be an interesting one for Williams, who will be hoping her up-and-comers can make an impact. It is likely, I think, she’ll give them a run out, possibly as early as October to see how they handle the step up but, definitely, I would not rule her out.
Perhaps next season is too early, however, I do think she is one to watch for the Trainer’s Championship over the next three years and it will certainly be interesting viewing.