Ciaron Maher and Craig Williams ‘move on’ from Jimmysstar saga
Craig Williams and Ciaron Maher looked to have moved on from last Saturday’s furore involving All-Star Mile runner Jimmysstar but the trainer didn’t back away from his comments.
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An interesting sight greeted those at Tuesday’s Caulfield gallops in the wake of the furore that erupted after Jimmysstar’s run at Flemington last Saturday.
Trainer Ciaron Maher and part-owner John O’Neill slammed jockey Craig Williams’ ride on Jimmysstar after $151 outsider Makram rolled the exciting galloper in The Elms.
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Williams went against Maher’s instructions on the $1.26 favourite, pushing forward to lead the Listed contest instead of going back to find cover from a tricky gate.
However, Williams had no qualms about helping Maher saddle one of his team before trackwork at Caulfield.
“Craig’s Craig,” Maher said.
“I wanted one thing and he did another but we move on.”
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ð Absolute boil over! Outsider Makram pips the favourite Jimmysstar at the post in The Elms Handicap.
â Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) February 17, 2024
ð¥ @7HorseRacing#RacingSpectacularpic.twitter.com/1glc4raVjP
Maher said Jimmysstar had pulled up tired after the Flemington run but the former Kiwi was enjoying time in a paddock to recover from his second-up run.
“He knew he’d had a run,” Maher said.
“He was running back two weeks (since his last run) and ridden out of his comfort zone.
“He’s having a bit of rest and relaxation at the moment.”
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TAB eased Jimmysstar’s All-Star quote from $8 to $15 after his Flemington defeat.
Maher said he needed to discuss Jimmysstar’s lead-up to the All-Star Mile with the talented galloper’s owners before deciding whether there was enough time for another lead-up run.
“We’ll have to make a decision and chat with the owners to see what we want to do,” Maher said.
“But we’ll see how the horse is first.”
Maher said having an All-Star Mile berth was a great part of Jimmysstar’s journey, of which the destination is still unknown.
“There’s a bit of hype on the horse anyway and the All-Star Mile adds a bit to that,” Maher said.
“But that’s what racing is all about. Everyone loves to own a horse that is progressive and wonder, ‘is he going to get there? Is he going to get to a handicap? Is he a weight-for-age horse?’
“It’s a massive step to weight-for-age to an All-Star Mile.”
Originally published as Ciaron Maher and Craig Williams ‘move on’ from Jimmysstar saga