At just 20 years old, William Carter Jr. has made a name for himself in the world of harness racing. Primarily racing at Ocean Downs and Rosecroft Raceway in Maryland, Carter’s talents have not gone unnoticed, earning him the Cloverleaf Standardbred Owners Association Rising Star of the Year title.
Carter, one of the bright young faces in harness racing, appeared on a segment of “In The Sulky” this past weekend with host Dave Little at The Meadowlands, where he competed in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Remembrance Race, a race he won in 2023 marking a memorable first Big M drive.
Carter’s journey into harness racing began at an early age, thanks to his father Billy, a first-generation horseman.
“It was my dad and I for the most part. He helped me out and he got me where I am today,” reflected Carter.
His father's influence sparked a deep love for the sport that’s been with him ever since.
In 2024, Carter had a standout season, his first million-dollar campaign while winning 170 races and finishing fifth in the standings at Rosecroft with 73 victories. His success didn’t stop with driving, as he also increased his training win total to 30 before deciding to fully commit to being a driver.
“Just one race at a time. Riding the rail and getting cheques, and eventually getting better drives and better horses to drive. It was off from there," he said. "Once you're winning, everyone starts to notice you a little bit.”
One of Carter’s most memorable moments was when he won the $121,667 Virginia Breeder's Stakes final with Caviart Ainsley (Captain Crunch-A Little Roll) for trainer Tony Alagna. That victory marked a significant milestone in his career as his richest to date and solidified his potential as one of the sport’s up-and-coming talents.
Looking ahead, Carter is driven by a simple yet profound goal.
“My biggest goal is just to be able to make a living driving horses,” he said.
For him, the location doesn’t matter as much as the opportunity.
“Wherever I have to go, I’ll go. I don’t mind travelling,” said Carter, echoing his commitment to the sport and his willingness to chase every opportunity that comes his way.
For Carter, success in harness racing boils down to one key ingredient: opportunity.
“All it takes for any driver really is opportunity. And that's all they need,” he explained.
And while opportunities may come and go, Carter is quick to acknowledge the level of competition in the sport.
“No horse race is easy to win,” he added.
As he continues to make waves in the industry, Carter remains grounded and focused on his long-term vision. With the support of his family and a fierce drive to succeed, there’s no doubt that Carter’s journey in harness racing is just getting started.
The full segment is available below.
(Standardbred Canada)