Williamson off the mark as a pro on Grimaud Josh Williamson could afford a long look over his shoulder on the run-in as Grimaud scored in style to give him his first winner since turning professional. The 5lb claimer was rowing along on the Gordon Elliott-trained gelding turning for home in the Albert Bartlett Triple Crown Handicap Hurdle, but his mount picked up well to lead before the last. He soon settled matters, shooting clear on the run-in, and Williamson eased down in the closing stages to record a 10-length win on the 4/1 shot. The winner had taken his maiden hurdle here last March and was bouncing back after a fall at Navan last month. "This is a very special day and is one I've been waiting for, for a couple of weeks. I was hoping it came earlier as I had a few other chances, but thank God I got it today,” said Williamson. “I rode 29 winners as an amateur, had a great time and it was a great grounding.  "I got my professional license in mid-January and, while I had a beaten favourite in Fairyhouse recently, I just had to wait until now. "Dad (Norman) always knew I wanted to turn professional, so it was just choosing the time to turn. “He probably would have liked me to wait until the new season to turn, but I was running out of rides against professionals in January. "I'm based with Gordon (Elliott) three or four days a week, go to Ian Donoghue's and other yards too, and of course I'm open to any outside rides." Regarding Grimaud, he added "That 2m4f trip is perfect for him and, on his last run, he wasn't going to finish too far behind Zanoosh - who won since, but for falling at the last." (Quotes by Tom Weekes)
