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WILLIAMS IN RIDING BATTLE Texas Youngster in Fight for Hiding Championship of 1938. Injuries at Oaklawn and Detroit Halted Youngsters Flight Toward Top of Jockey List. NEW ORLEANS, La., Nov. 29 It has been several seasons since the American jockey champion has been crowned in New Orleans, but there is a possibility of such a coronation being held in the Crescent City this season, with Sammy Williams, of Dublin, Texas, as the monarch. The last crowning of the American champion took place when Johnny Gilbert nosed out Hank Mills in 1932, but many are of the opinion that the little Texan, who is now third ranking rider of the nation, has a good chance of overcoming those leading him at present. Had it not been for enforced idleness due to injuries suffered in falls at Oaklawn Park and Detroit, the crack apprentice very probably would be at the top of the heap. During his absence from the saddle, Williams lost an opportunity to make substantial gains on the leaders. Despite this, through November 21, the records show that Sammy is only sixteen winners behind Johnny Longden, who is pacing the riders, and only eight winners behind Johnny Adams, 1937 kingpin, who is in the runner-up position. HAD 181 WINNERS. When the Fair Grounds opened up the season, Williams was credited with a total of 181 winners, 137 seconds, and 154 thirds out of 966 mounts he has had this year. The foregoing shows that Williams has been in the money with more than half of his mounts, a rare display of consistency. Williams, who is under contract to J. C. Ellis, president of the Dade Park Jockey Club, was developed by Olin Johnson, head trainer of the Ellis colorbearers, and the latter is of the opinion that Sammy is one of the best apprentices developed in many years. Williams apprenticeship expires on December 21, the youngster having piloted the initial winner of his career at Tropical Park on December 22, of last year, and it was at the Florida tracks last winter, and in the early spring that Williams attracted widespread attention. However, a fall at Oaklawn Park on the opening day of the 1938 spring session, resulted in a broken collarbone, and it was not until the opening of Detroit that he made his return to the saddle.
