A first win for Darnika Williams
Darnika Williams has her first win.
The 18-year-old junior driver reached the milestone at Rangiora on Sunday, steering Royal Belle to victory in the Kyle Cameron Harness Racing Mobile Pace on her 56th raceday drive.
“It’s super exciting, I’m very happy. It’ll definitely help my confidence.”
Williams settled Royal Belle behind the leader and waited for her chance. When they turned for home, she had the option of staying on the inside but chose to come away from the rail instead.
“I got a wee bit excited and didn’t wait for the passing lane,” Williams laughed.
It worked.
Royal Belle took the lead and held off Tuppence by three-quarters of a length, with A Better Jackalack three lengths away in third.
“I was pretty confident with her based on how she’d won the start before, and with the draw and the gate speed we had,” Williams said.
“I originally wanted to lead, but it all panned out well and the horse was ready, so credit to the trainers.”
The reaction afterwards made the moment even better.
Gemma Thornley was one of the first to congratulate Williams, with Sam Thornley, Wilson House, Sheree Tomlinson and Olivia Thornley also among the drivers who came over after the race.
Royal Belle is trained by Peter and Mitchell Robertson, and it was Williams’ connection with Mitchell that led to the drive.
The pair previously worked together at Mark Jones’ stable, where Williams has now been based for two and a half years. Jones has given her plenty of opportunities to develop as a driver, while Mitchell has continued to back her driving since their time working together.
“I worked with Mitch for a while at Mark Jones’, and he texted me for the drive so I was stoked to get on.”
Getting her first win for someone who had supported her driving made the milestone that bit more special.
Williams was named Stablehand of the Year at the 2024 Harness Racing Awards, but her own background in racing started well before she moved to Canterbury.
She grew up in Ruakaka in a family steeped in the galloping world. Her grandfather, well-known trainer Kenny Rae, has trained 418 winners, while her mother Krystal Williams has trained 143.
Harness racing came later.
Williams grew up riding ponies with her aunties and cousins, but it wasn’t until she moved south that she began taking much notice of driving.
Her first jog behind a standardbred didn’t exactly get her excited about it. Her first fast-work drive was a different story.
That came behind Mystery Beach, and Williams hadn’t realised just how fast the horses could go until she experienced it for herself.
That was the drive that got her hooked.
Mystery Beach was even racing at Oamaru on the day Williams had her first raceday drive. Two and a half years later, he is still her favourite.
Now Williams has another moment to add to the story: her first win as a driver.
Her focus from here is straightforward. Stay consistent, keep learning and keep building her confidence.
Sunday’s result should certainly help with the last one.
Darnika Williams is a sponsored driver for The Trots.