Imperatriz upstages Giga Kick in McEwen Stakes as Craig Williams accepts blame for defeat

Craig Williams lamented his mistake aboard Giga Kick in the McEwen Stakes as Kiwi mare Imperatriz capitalised to claim an explosive victory.

Imperatriz was too good for Giga Kick (white and red silks) in the McEwen Stakes at The Valley. Picture: Scott Barbour-Racing Photos via Getty Images

Remorseful jockey Craig Williams claimed full responsibility for Giga Kick’s defeat at The Valley on Saturday in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes.

Giga Kick missed the start by two lengths and then Williams made a costly decision to set alight the dual Group 1 and The Everest winner before the bend.

The early move resulted in Giga Kick sliding up too quickly and gifted outstanding New Zealand sprinter Imperatriz, a Group 1 winner at The Valley previously, the perfect drag into the race.

Imperatriz, ridden by Michael Dee, exploded away for a 2½-length win in track record time (56.68sec).

IMPERATRIZ!

We knew she was a star, but this is something else 🔥@TeAkauRacingpic.twitter.com/sHkQdrdNU4

— Racing.com (@Racing) September 9, 2023

Williams lamented his mistake on the $1.90 favourite.

“In a perfect world I thought I’ll start sliding into the race, unfortunately, because he’s so good and so competitive, today we lost but we might’ve learned something,” Williams said.

“Unfortunately today it cost Giga Kick every chance of winning today’s race.”

Giga Kick eased $3.50 to $4.50 with TAB for The Everest after the defeat, while Imperatriz was slashed in betting, $15 to $6.

While disappointed to run third, trainer Clayton Douglas, gracious in defeat, said Giga Kick would benefit immensely from the run.

Imperatriz was a dominant winner of the McEwen Stakes. Picture: George Sal-Racing Photos

“Things didn’t work out for us, he had a tough run first-up and just peaked over the concluding stages, she (Imperatriz) had the drop on us and she was very impressive,” Douglas said.

“It’s a little bit disappointing … (Williams) probably just pressed the button too soon I’d say, but that’s racing, we can’t have it again, we’ll take our bat and ball and go home.

“They’ve run slick time, and he’s taken off early and had to do it the hard way … he’ll take nice fitness benefit, as long as he pulls up well we’ll be off to the Premiere (Stakes).”

Imperatriz will be aimed at the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) on September 29 at The Valley.

Dee lauded the Kiwi mare’s turn of foot to put a space on Rothfire and Giga Kick.

“I was a little bit concerned when Giga Kick came around, I thought I know she’s got a great turn of foot as we’ve all seen in the past,” Dee said.

“As it turned out I pressed the button too soon because we hit the front in three or four strides from sixth in the run so that turn of foot … is probably the best one I’ve ever felt.”

Originally published as Imperatriz upstages Giga Kick in McEwen Stakes as Craig Williams accepts blame for defeat