The renowned Jaghai family’s influence on Jamaican horse racing continues to grow, as Matthew Williams, grandson of owner/breeder and Hall of Fame inductee Henry Jaghai, embarks on his training career at Caymanas Park.

Williams, a licensed trainer since 2018, brings valuable experience from the US, where he saddled winners at prominent tracks like Gulfstream Park, Tampa Bay, and Churchill Downs.

On Saturday, October 5, 2024, Williams sends out two contenders in Premier Identity and Sweet Victory, both to be ridden by joint leading rider Tevin Foster.

Williams obtained his trainers’ licence at Gulfstream Park in Florida and has a career record of 321 starts with 25 firsts, 50 seconds, and 35 thirds.

In 2024, Williams’ record reads 36 starts with three firsts, five seconds, and five thirds.

“My first winner as a trainer came at Gulfstream Park West (Nov 20, 2019), formerly Calder, with a horse by the name of Dream Marie ridden by Jamaican jockey Richard “Byah” Mitchell.

“I have started horses at several tracks in the US including Tampa Bay, Monmouth Park, Aqueduct, Belmont, Churchill Downs, and Colonial Downs,” Williams said.

But why the decision to train in Jamaica?

“Well, my father Mark and I currently operate Willie’s Racing Stables Limited At Bombay Stud Farm which is a legacy of my grandfather, Henry. In addition, my granduncle, uncles, and cousins were or are involved with horse racing in Jamaica, so it was an easy decision for me to ply my trade here,” Williams said.

Presently in Jamaica, Williams has seven horses in training, inclusive of six racers and one two-year-old.