When Kayleb Williams won with Mi Ju Dan in his first race ride on King Island on December 5, 2020, he wasn’t sure what his future in harness racing was, and he had never considered leaving the island.
Fast forward to Monday night in Burnie, and 99 wins later, the now Carrick-based reinsman has become the latest Tasmanian reinsman to reach 100 career wins.
The milestone was reached when the Kent Rattray-trained Rockandahardplace ($4.60) overcame a 10m handicap to claim the title. Thank you Ridgley Rascals – Relay For Life Pace (2180m).
“It’s a monkey on my back. I’ve been stuck at 99 (wins) for a few weeks and it’s a huge thrill to get it done.
“I didn’t know at the time if I was going to leave the island, but I would like to say a huge thank you to the Rattray family who brought me to Tassie and it just went from there,” Williams said.
With one out and three back, Williams moved up to the pacer and left home straight the first time, eventually taking the lead for the final 1500 meters of the race.
Williams rode an aggressive race over the last 600 meters, with the gelding’s son Pet Rock broke free late, scoring 9 feet over Sabine ($4) and Fleetwood Rock ($9) in a mile pace of 2:04.5 seconds.
“I thought he was the best horse in the race, and I decided to ride him like that, and we got killed cheaply, and he was really good late.”
Williams reached 101 career wins when he teamed the Geoff Smith-trained Im Quiet American ($7.50) to victory in the last race of the evening.
The driver plans to visit leading New South Wales trainer-driver Luke McCarthy in the near future for a week-long stay to take advantage of his Launceston and Carrick Pacing Club’s Encouragement Award, which he won in 2024.
Liam Older recorded his 150th career winner on the Burnie card when he teamed with former Burnie Cup winner Dazzle Me ($5) in the opening matchthe win was the first leg of a race-to-race double for the Yole stable as Kiavino Stride ($12) won a National Rating 50 or better.
Charlie Castles also recorded a training and driving doubles victory with Tullah Girl ($8) and Alwaysatiger ($3.70).
For full race results, click here.
Through Duncan Dornauf for Tasracing
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