Amad Ali - Nicardo Carr’s Breakthrough Ride

The gates opened at Caymanas Park on Saturday, September 27, 2025, but for Nicardo Carr, the true race had begun long before the starter called them forward. Two years of quiet effort, near misses, and relentless dedication finally led to a breakthrough. A first official win.
Carr, aboard the Randolph Scott-trained Amad Ali, claimed victory in the opening Optional Claiming sprint for three-year-olds and upward, tagged at $350,000 to $250,000. The six-furlong contest unfolded in splits of 24.4, 50.3, and 1:04.2, with a final time of 1:19.1. Yet the clock only told part of the tale.
What truly mattered was the margin, a head, that separated Amad Ali from Casual Peach, ridden by Richie Shakes. What mattered more was the calm Carr summoned in the final strides, the kind of composure that comes from knowing you belong.
“I knew he had it,” Carr said, his voice steady and his eyes bright. “I just kept my rhythm, stayed patient, and trusted the horse. We got there.”
The win was not just personal—it was shared. Carr’s post-race thanks flowed freely, acknowledging owners, trainers, fellow jockeys, grooms, family, friends, and fans. “They’ve all been part of this journey. I’m thankful,” he said, pausing to let the moment settle.
“This is just the beginning,” he added, not with bravado but with quiet conviction. “There’s more to come. Much more.”
Carr graduated from the Racing Commission’s Jockeys’ Training School in December of last year. He had previously won aboard Okoye Warrior in an apprentice race in October 2024, though such races are not counted in the official statistics.
Carr was slated to ride Another Mission in April but was unable to take the mount. Emilio Mclean, a fellow graduate, stepped in and won the race.