In a moment he will cherish forever, trainer Matthew Williams celebrated his first win at Caymanas Park on Saturday, December 14, 2024, as his charge Mudshaft romped to a 10-length victory in the third race.

Ridden by Tevin Foster, Mudshaft clocked an impressive 58.4 seconds for the five-furlong (1,000m) straight course. The race was a Restricted Allowance III contest for five-year-olds and upward (non-winners of four) and imported five-year-olds and upward (non-winners of three).

Mudshaft got a good break at the off but had to sit behind the speedy Adenosine, who blazed the trail. Foster expertly bided his time, waiting for the right moment to make his move. That moment came with two furlongs to go, when Foster asked the five-year-old bay mare to unleash her full potential.

Mudshaft responded eagerly, taking over at the furlong pole and drawing away for a comfortable win. Adenosine (Shavon Townsend) held on for second place, while
AKA Storm (Raddesh Roman) finished third.

For Williams, this triumph marked a milestone moment in his training career, which began overseas in 2018. With a record of 25 wins, 50 seconds, and 35 thirds from 325 starts, and earnings of US$1,085,545, Williams established himself as a trainer with potential. Williams has trained some talented horses like Dream Marie, Strike Hard,
Emperor’s Cause, High Yield Kitten, and Extra Indy.

As he reflected on his debut win at Caymanas Park, Williams beamed with pride.

“I feel pretty good. Growing up, I used to come to the racetrack, and I’ve always loved horses. It’s in my blood,” Williams told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.

Williams was confident about Mudshaft’s chances, given her impressive record.

“We’ve won two races with her at Gulfstream Park, and she’s had a lot of seconds and thirds as well,” he noted. “Today, we were confident she would win comfortably, but I didn’t think she’d run that fast! I’m pleased with the win.”

As for Mudshaft’s future plans, Williams revealed that she is at Caymanas Park to become a broodmare. “That’s plan A,” he said with a smile.

With this debut win under his belt, Matthew Williams is set to make his mark on the Caymanas Park racing scene.