Craig Williams cops suspension on Stradbroke Handicap pick-up ride

Craig Williams scored a late pick-up ride in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap but it ended with a suspension.

Craig Williams was suspended for careless riding in the Stradbroke Handicap. Picture: Trackside Photography

Craig Williams’ late Group 1 pick-up ride on Rothfire has resulted in the champion Victorian jockey being suspended for 14 days.

Williams had been set to ride Gary Portelli’s mare Kimochi in the Stradbroke Handicap until the Yulong-owned mare injured her tendon on Friday.

• PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet’s team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW!

He was then without a Stradbroke ride but gained one when James McDonald, who has been battling illness, was unable to make the weight on Rothfire.

However, the story had a sting in its tail with Williams suspended for careless riding for a back straight incident where Spicy Martini was tightened up.

He will commence his suspension after next Saturday’s Ipswich Cup meeting.

• ‘The boys have done it’: Hayes proud of sons’ landmark Stradbroke success

Meanwhile, Group 1 JJ Atkins winning jockey Martin Harley was fined $500 by stewards for celebrating before the line on Cool Archie.

Cejay Graham also came to the attention of stewards and was suspended for 14 days for careless riding on King Kapa in the Hinkler Handicap.

Originally published as Craig Williams cops suspension on Stradbroke Handicap pick-up ride