Craig Williams may be forced to postpone a humanitarian trip to Ukraine if he remains within striking distance of taking out the Victorian Metropolitan Jockeys’ Premiership. With nine titles already to his name, Williams currently trails defending champion Blake Shinn by 12 wins. However, Shinn is sidelined with an ankle injury, opening the door for Williams to mount a late charge for the title.
Williams is maintaining an active schedule across Brisbane and Melbourne to stay competitive. He has seven rides booked at Doomben on Wednesday and is slated to return to Melbourne for meetings at Mornington, Sandown, and Flemington. His participation in the Tatt’s Tiara meeting on June 28 at Eagle Farm will depend on ride availability, but his focus remains sharp. He’s also preparing for a trip to Ukraine with Andrew Mallyon, but said the mission may be delayed if the premiership is still in play.
“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’ fond memories of Flemington’s ‘Finals Day’—where he’s recorded six wins on one occasion—could prove crucial as the title race nears its climax.
“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.”
As the premiership battle heats up, fans and punters alike can find the top markets and odds with Australia’s leading betting sites.
