Apprentice jockey Demar Williams celebrated his first career win aboard
Sabina in a three-year-old and upward Optional Claiming ($250,000-$200,000) event over 5 furlongs straight on Saturday, December 28, 2024.

Sabina, trained by Owen Sharpe, won by 5 lengths in 1:01.3 beating Stanislaus (Tevin Foster) and Will The Conquerer (Shane Richardson). This win had the effect of bolstering Williams’ confidence, revealing that his main long-term objective is to win a jockeys’ championship title.

Williams credited Sabina’s preparation and his team’s guidance for the success.

“Sabina was well-prepared for this race. She’s been training out of the straight and has been doing well in the mornings,” he said.

“The trainer just told me to go out there and ride her as I had exercised her in the mornings. He just said get a clean break, wait on her to tell you when she is ready and once she is ready, I must just let her go and make her do her thing. That was exactly what I did,” Williams said.

Williams expressed gratitude to the connections, including Owen and Solomon Sharpe for their support.

“I’m thankful and grateful for my first winner. I’ve been at the racetrack for some time now, and this moment is truly special. I am speechless at the moment. I appreciate the trust that the connections have placed in me,” Williams said.

The victory has not only boosted Williams’ confidence but also fuelled his ambition to become a top contender in years to come in the jockeys’ championship.

“This win has given me a lot of confidence going forward. My previous rides have not finished as how I wanted them to but this ride and win has given me the confidence to believe.

“Going forward it is going to take a lot of hard work but I am dedicated and I believe that hard work will bring success,” Williams ended.

— Ruddy Allen