Craig Williams remains laser-focused on claiming his tenth Victorian Jockeys’ Premiership, despite being sidelined by a suspension stemming from his ride in the Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm.
Currently serving a two-week ban for careless riding, Williams will be back in action on July 6 and has no intention of letting the setback hinder his championship pursuit.
His double at Flemington last weekend narrowed the gap between him and current leader Blake Shinn to just eight wins, setting up a thrilling chase for the title in the final stretch of the season.
“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.”
This season has been a standout for Williams, who has bagged five Group 1 wins including major triumphs in The Everest and 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 hoped to compete on Finals Day at Flemington on July 5, but the suspension has dashed those plans.
“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,” Williams 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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