Craig Williams is on a mission to secure his tenth Victorian Jockeys’ Premiership and is determined not to let a suspension disrupt his campaign.
The champion jockey is currently serving a two-week ban after being found guilty of careless riding in the Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm and is expected to return to the saddle on July 6.
Williams’ winning double at Flemington last Saturday brought him within eight victories of current premiership front-runner Blake Shinn, who remains sidelined due to injury.
A successful run over the final stretch would see Williams equal Damien Oliver’s record of 10 premiership titles, leaving him just one behind legendary riders Roy Higgins and Bill Williamson.
“It’s a goal,” Williams said.
“There’s nothing better than being in winter and having goals and challenges. It doesn’t matter what the weather is or what the horses are, we’re trying to get the best out of them and to be lucky enough to win a tenth championship.
“I’ve got seven meetings (when I come back) and 70 something races.
“I’ve worked out the races. There might be added races, but I lose one as there is an apprentice only race on the Saturday, I get back.”
Williams reflected on his impressive achievements this season, which include five Group 1 wins, a triumph in The Everest, and victory in the Hong Kong Derby.
“But it’s been an amazing season. I’ve won five Group 1’s, The Everest, a Hong Kong Derby and we’re only in this position because of Blake Shinn’s unfortunate incident.
“He’s been very dominant.”
Williams had originally intended to take a break after the Winter Championships Finals Day at Flemington on July 5—a meeting where he has enjoyed consistent success—but the suspension will now keep him out of action on that day.
“I can’t ride Finals Day. I’m very saddened by that, but they’re the rules of racing and it is what it is, so I’ll just have to work harder,” he said.
“The suspension just means I’m not race riding, but I want to win a Championship, so I’ll continue working hard and I’ll be at all the tracks.
“It also means a visit to Ukraine is off until we win the Championship.
“The work that we do here, 10 per cent goes to Ukraine. That is the opportunity we get to promote the sad situation for the Ukrainian people, that’s first and foremost.
“Our children will go over the holidays, but they’re not allowed to go to Kiev, because Kiev is very dangerous.
“My wife (Larysa) is trying to help me win the Championship and once we get that next eight (winners), we’ll go back to Ukraine and help with the humanitarian aid.”
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