KINGSTON, Jamaica - The legacy of the Jaghai family continues at Caymanas Park, as trainer Matthew Williams, the grandson of owner | breeder and Hall of Racing Fame inductee Henry Jaghai begins his time as a conditioner in Jamaica.
Williams saddles two horses on Saturday, October 5, 2024, according to the Overnight programme, Premier Identity and Sweet Victory both to be ridden by joint leading rider Tevin Foster.
Williams obtained his trainers’ licence in 2018 at Gulfstream Park in Florida and has a career record of 321 starts with 25 firsts, 50 seconds, and 35 thirds.
In 2024, Williams’s 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 told Quickgallopja.com.
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.
At present in Jamaica, Williams has seven horses in training, inclusive of six racers and one two-year-old.
