In his first full year as a licensed jockey, Demar Williams was voted Most Improved Jockey of 2025 by the Horse of the Year committee. Fourteen of the 15 members submitted ballots, with the majority in favour of Williams.

Williams graduated from the Jockeys’ Training School in December 2024. By the end of the 2025 season, he had ridden 44 winners, placing him fourth in the championship standings. Ahead of him were Raddesh Roman, who secured the championship, Dane Dawkins in second, and Robert Halledeen in third.

Williams’ record also included 36 second-place finishes and 34 third-place finishes from a total of 341 mounts, giving him a winning percentage of 13 per cent.

Two other apprentices from the 2024 graduating class also finished inside the top 10. Richie Shakes rode 36 winners, while Tajay Suckoo, who missed significant time due to injury, returned to win 19 races.

The performances of Williams, Shakes, and Suckoo highlight the impact of the 2024 class, with Williams leading the way through consistency and results across the season.