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Craig Williams refuses to buy into speculation he could lose ride on Giga Kick

Connections have cast doubt over Craig Williams’s association with The Everest winner Giga Kick but the top jockey has refused to buy into the controversy.

Craig Williams and Giga Kick have enjoyed great success together in the last 18 months. Picture: Getty Images
Craig Williams and Giga Kick have enjoyed great success together in the last 18 months. Picture: Getty Images

Champion jockey Craig Williams has refused to buy into speculation surrounding his association with last year’s Everest winner Giga Kick.

Williams has won five of nine rides on the super sprinter with the Group 1 All Aged Stakes and Doomben 10,000 triumphs accompanying The Everest victory.

However, Williams’s association with Giga Kick could be in jeopardy if radio comments from Rod Douglas, racing manager for Giga Kick’s owner Johnathan Munz, come to fruition.

Douglas indicated Williams could be sacked as Giga Kick’s jockey this week after producing a below-par ride when the sprinter finished third in last Saturday’s Group 2 McEwen Stakes at The Valley.

But Williams said he could do little about such speculation other than to “stay in his lane”.

“It’s Jonathan Munz’s horse and he makes the call on who rides the horse,” Williams said.

Rod Douglas (right), racing manager representing owner Johnathan Munz, pictured with trainer Clayton Douglas, made scathing comments about jockey Craig Williams’ ride on Giga Kick in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes. Picture: Getty Images
Rod Douglas (right), racing manager representing owner Johnathan Munz, pictured with trainer Clayton Douglas, made scathing comments about jockey Craig Williams’ ride on Giga Kick in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes. Picture: Getty Images

“That’s the way it is.

“He’s been a really good horse to me and I’m not too sure – maybe we’ll all know in the next 48 hours.

“As far as I’m aware, I’m riding the horse until I hear otherwise from Jonathan.”

Williams said he has managed to stay away from the furore simply because he reads or hears little racing media coverage.

“I’ve been riding for 30 years and racing is a very reactive, a very emotional sport,” Williams said.

“I just worry about what I do, riding the horses and being a father.

“I never listen to any comments nor do I read any of the publications.”

Originally published as Craig Williams refuses to buy into speculation he could lose ride on Giga Kick

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/horse-racing/vic-racing/craig-williams-refuses-to-buy-into-speculation-he-could-lose-ride-on-giga-kick/news-story/3ddf6ff83aa4c333080afd0c69824ce7