Apprentice Williams Pilots First Winner
Description:
Ajhari Williams, a 19-year-old apprentice, recorded his first career win when he guided Bold Wolf to an off the pace victory in the second race at Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course Nov. 2.
Bold Wolf, an Arkansas-bred 8-year-old gelding, won by one length at 9-1 odds and covered the 5 1/2 furlongs on a fast track in 1:07.36. He is trained by Rodney Faulkner for R and P Racing Stables.
Williams, who goes by "A.J.", is a native of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. He arrived in Ohio five months ago looking to follow in the footsteps of his older cousin, Julio Felix, a former multiple leading rider at ThistleDown and winner of more than 2,750 races who encouraged Williams to begin his career in Ohio.
"I'm so excited" said Williams, who had 16 mounts previously with just one in-the-money finish. "This has been my life's dream. My father, who was a jockey, put me up on a horse at the age of three, and since then it is all I have ever wanted."