Craig Williams is keeping his options open regarding a planned trip to Ukraine, as the race for the Victorian Metropolitan Jockeys’ Premiership heats up. The decorated jockey, with nine premierships under his belt, including one shared with Damien Oliver, is now trailing Blake Shinn by 12 wins. Shinn, however, is currently sidelined with bone bruising, potentially giving Williams a real chance to close the gap.
With the Group 1 races at Eagle Farm ongoing, Williams will continue splitting his time between Brisbane and Melbourne. He is booked for seven rides at Doomben on Wednesday, while also maintaining a presence in Victoria, riding next at Mornington before returning north for the Stradbroke Handicap meeting on June 14. Whether he competes on Tatt’s Tiara day on June 28 will depend on potential ride opportunities.
His schedule includes appearances at Sandown (June 18), Flemington (June 21), and possibly Caulfield (June 28). Williams had planned a post-season break with fellow jockey Andrew Mallyon, joining an ambulance corps in Ukraine. However, he admitted that the break could be postponed if he’s within reach of the premiership lead.
“All the leading riders all look towards the spring, and you all look at what it takes to get there, but there’s no doubt I’ve always had a focus about the championship,” Williams said.
“It’s one of those goals that every rider strives to go for and it will come under consideration when my manager and I work out our scheduling for the next period of time.”
Williams has enjoyed great success on Flemington’s ‘Finals Day’ (July 5), where he once recorded six winners. As he weighs his options, his form and passion remain strong.
“There were people talking about the premiership at Christmas time when Blake had a holiday and I rode a few winners,” Williams said.
“I just want to ride a winner every day I go to the races.
“Blake set himself a goal and has been so committed to that through the whole of Victoria and you can see his success this year.
“I don’t feel like I need a break, but everyone keeps saying I do as at the moment I’m just loving what I’m doing.
“I have loved flying into Hong Kong and having success and when you have success you want the next one and the next one.
“I’m really happy where I am at the moment and loving what I’m doing.”
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