News


Former Top Quarter Horse Jockey Now Steward At Evangeline Downs
Jess Williams, winner of more than 1100 Quarter Horse races has accepted a new role at Evangeline Downs.

Former Top Quarter Horse Jockey Now Steward At Evangeline Downs

By Greg Thompson, Stallionesearch.com

OPELOUSAUS, LA—APRIL 13, 2014—Former top Quarter Horse jockey Jeff Williams has accepted the new role as a Steward at Evangeline Downs in Opelousas, Louisiana.

Williams started his riding career in his home state of Michigan in 1978 at Glendale Downs in Hillsdale, Michigan before moving his tack to ride predominantly throughout the Southwest, and a stint in California.

In his race-riding career, Williams was able to muster 1119 wins with total earnings of over $9.1 million dollars. He finished second in the G1 All American Futurity on three separate occasions (’86 Lil Bit Shiney, ’89 Moons High, ’92 Texas Heartbeat).

Williams was able to secure major stakes victories in the 1984 G1 Kansas Derby aboard Racy Roman, 1986 G1 Rainbow Futurity aboard Lil Bit Shiney, the 1987 G1 Kansas Derby aboard Lil Bit Shiney, the 1990 G1 Rainbow Derby aboard Moons High, and the 1993 G1 Rainbow Derby aboard Deceptively.

“Being a steward has been something I have been looking forward to becoming ever since I quit my riding career,” said Williams. “I would like to thank Chris Warren and Boyd Gaming for giving me this opportunity to advance my career in racing.”

Since his race riding career ended, Williams has worked as the clerk of scales at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas, and Louisiana Downs in Bossier City.