A career which started last year with unpretentious expectations has already led to some noteworthy achievements for top apprentice, Linton Steadman.

Steadman made a strong first impression on September 26 of last year when he won aboard Vision – his first ride – in the Keeling Memorial Cup feature over 1,100 metres.

“This is the start of many,” Steadman said at the time, and that is what is happening for the 26-year-old who has now ridden 42 winners, 20 of which came last year.

Steadman won the first major race of his career when he brought Bigdaddykool with a telling run against the rails to win The Lotto Classic for the Governor’s Cup in May of this year.

The champion apprentice took it one step further on Saturday when he entered the annals of horse racing history at Caymanas Park, piloting

Bigdaddykool to win the ISP Finance Services Limited-sponsored Jamaica St Leger, his first Classic victory.

Owned by Stephan Narinesingh and trained by Anthony Nunes, Bigdaddykool won by 14 lengths in a time of 2:06:3 minutes over 10 furlongs (2,000 metres).

“What can I say right now? The feeling is very wonderful at the moment,” exclaimed Steadman.

“I can’t believe that I have just won a Classic race; my first Classic race, my first Classic race! The St Leger was just as normal as ever, but when I look back and think about it for a while… I have just won the St Leger! This is a very magical experience for me.

“I will cherish this to the end of time, as I have always dreamt about winning a Classic race, and for it to happen in such a short period of time since I began riding is just wonderful.

”I came close in the Jamaica Derby, but I got it right here,” Steadman told the Complete Racing Guide, his voice full of emotion.

Although riding a Classic winner is a difficult goal to reach, Steadman said that he was pretty confident about achieving this milestone.

“It is a lot of hard work, dedication and determination to achieve this victory.

“I gave my best, but based on his performances throughout the season so far, I was 110 per cent confident that we would come out on top on Saturday.

“ Bigdaddykool has always been right there at the end of each race, so the further the journey, the more it suited us.

“I always tell myself that I can do anything and achieve anything, once I put my mind to it, and I backed myself on that.

”We got a good break and a dream run on the inside rails in the straight and just ran away with it.

“The plan coming into the race was to win, and I must thank once again the owner, trainer and all the connections for their belief and support from day one.

”They all have made my dream come true and I thank them very much for it. The opportunity is invaluable,” Steadman declared.