Kylie Williams Celebrates 1,000 Wins Amid Race Incident at Riccarton

Kylie Williams achieved a remarkable career milestone on March 16, 2024, when she rode Riviera Rebel to victory in the Waimakariri Businesses North Canterbury Cup at Riccarton. This win marked her 1,000th career victory, making her the first female jockey in New Zealand history to reach this significant achievement. However, the race was overshadowed by a serious incident, raising concerns about safety on the track.

Williams began her day with a win on Miss Ziggy, bringing her total to 999 victories. Following this, she expertly guided Riviera Rebel, trained by Graeme Eade and Brooke Kincaid, to a commanding lead for much of the race. The five-year-old horse held off challengers, ultimately securing a victory that underscored Williams’ skill and determination.

Despite Williams’ triumph, the race will likely be remembered for a troubling incident that occurred approximately 600 meters from the finish line. Richard Stomper and his rider, Brandon May, fell heavily while tracking the leaders, causing a domino effect that brought down several other horses. Among those affected were Jack Taplin‘s King Of The Castle, Yogesh Atchamah‘s Koyama, and Bridget Grylls‘ She’s So Reliable. Additionally, Brett Murray was unseated from his mount, Proserve, during the chaos.

As the incident unfolded behind her, Williams maintained her focus, allowing Riviera Rebel to fend off the late efforts of Moussaieff and Elegant Lady, ultimately achieving his seventh career victory and fourth win at Riccarton.

The event highlighted both the thrill and dangers of horse racing, prompting discussions on safety measures within the sport. As Williams celebrates her groundbreaking achievement, the racing community reflects on the need for enhanced protocols to protect both riders and horses during competitions.

This milestone not only showcases Williams’ remarkable talent but also serves as a reminder of the inherent risks involved in horse racing. Her accomplishment is a source of inspiration for aspiring jockeys, particularly women in the sport, as they look to follow in her footsteps.