Bajan jockey wins Sovereign Award

Apprentice jockey Rey Williams has secured another victory, this time the coveted Sovereign Award.

Williams managed to secure 158 votes ahead of Ridge Balgobin of Trinidad and Tobago (67) and Brandon Duchaine of Canada (56) to capture top honors at the 43rd annual Sovereign Awards last week Toronto Palais Royale.

The 19-year-old is the first Barbadian apprentice, the first Caribbean apprentice, and the youngest apprentice to receive this prominent award.

Speaking to NATION SPORT from Canada, he said he was proud of his success but encouraged other youngsters to pursue their dream.

“Do not let others discourage them; never give up because success may be around the corner. I was able to pursue my dream, and I will continue to go for gold as I look toward bigger and better challenges in the future, as I continue to make Barbados proud,” he said in a recent telephone interview with NATION SPORT.

Last year the Flagstaff Road, St Michael resident finished with more than 50 percent of his mounts in the top three. He secured 41 victories at Northland Parks and Century Downs in Alberta with earnings of CAD$471, 415.

Williams secured victory in two $50 000 stake races on Alberta’s Fall Classic Day aboard Piper Rose in the Alberta Oaks. He triumphed in the Red Diamond Express aboard Mr. Jangles while placing second in the Sturgeon River Stakes astride Madame Bullet. (RA)