Craig Williams has reignited his hopes of securing a tenth Melbourne Jockeys’ Premiership with a brilliant treble at Flemington, putting pressure on current leader Blake Shinn as the season nears its end.
With only 25 metropolitan races left in the 2024-25 season, Williams now trails Shinn by five wins. Last Wednesday at Sandown, Williams had narrowed the gap to four, but Shinn surged ahead again with a winning treble while Williams failed to find the board that day.
Despite that disappointment, Williams was relieved to finish the day unscathed, referencing an unsettling incident during the meeting. “Last Wednesday I went to the races and said Blake has got some great rides, and I’ve got some good rides,” he said. “He came away with three winners and I didn’t have one, but what I got out of the day was I had a horse that went amiss, and I got to drive home in my own car.”
Williams added with perspective, “My wife came home and said it’s all well and good that you’re trying to win a premiership, but you are home and I’m happy. It’s all about perspective.”
On Saturday, Williams made up lost ground with three winners at Flemington, while Shinn managed just one, renewing the intensity of the title chase ahead of Sandown this Wednesday. Williams is booked for all eight races while Shinn has seven engagements, including three favourites.
“I love hunting, and I need to hunt as Blake is unbelievable,” said Williams. “Wednesday is sorted, Caulfield on Saturday is nearly sorted and the final Wednesday is coming together nicely. My manager Jason Breen is working really hard.”
Williams will also ride in Saturday’s Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m), likely partnering one of Kin, Kallos or Inhibitions for Godolphin and James Cummings. He had hoped to continue with In Flight after the mare won the Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m), but trainer Joe Pride has opted to send her back to Sydney.
“Unfortunately, my horse that won the other day has gone home,” Williams said. “I begged Joe to leave her down here for my own selfish ambitions.”
After the final metropolitan meeting on July 30, Williams will take a planned break and travel to Ukraine. “I was hoping to go earlier, but Blake changed it,” he quipped.
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