Jawara Steadman finally off the mark
ON Sunday, June 8, 2023 Jawara Steadman, brother of famed rider Linton Steadman, rode his first professional winner, the Courtney Williams-conditioned Diamond Rock, to a 25-1 upset win in the day’s sixth event.
Steadman’s achievement came in a Non-Restricted Maiden Condition Race for native-bred four-year-olds and upward over 7 furlongs (1,400m). Diamond Rock won the event by a short head in a time of 1:32.2 (24.4 x 49.0 x 1:16.1).
“It’s a good feeling. I really appreciate it; and thanks to the connections for their belief in me that I could get the job done. I wasn’t nervous or anything like that as I did have a lot of confidence in the horse,” Steadman told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.
Diamond Rock settled in second place behind Empress Nakelia (Sadiki Blake) for most of the way before surging to the front while approaching the lane. Diamond Rock looked like an easy winner in the final furlong (200m) of the race but a late surge from Premier Identity (Tevin Foster) saw Steadman dig into reserve for the win.
“I got involved in the sport based on my father. He was a groom and so I went to the track with him on a regular basis until I fell in love with the sport. In the early stages of my career I struggled with weight issues and didn’t focus that much.
“Over the past two months or so I have been thinking a lot about the sport so I have been working hard, and I have been seeing a lot of improvement. I am more focused now and I am determined to continue working hard.
“My brother is an inspiration and mentor. He had given me a lot of instructions and advice as an experienced rider for so many years. I’m hopeful I can get along well with the trainers, put in my work in the mornings, get the rides, and win some races,” Steadman ended.