Southport Tycoon strikes Golden Eagle: Jockey Craig Williams to go from vanquished to victor

Star jockey Craig Williams quips he has nightmares about a narrow Group 1 loss at the hands of Southport Tycoon but he now gets to ride that horse in Saturday’s $10m Golden Eagle.

If you can’t quite beat them, join them.

Craig Williams quips that may as well be his simple philosophy as he links up with Ciaron Maher’s two-time Group 1 winner Southport Tycoon in Saturday’s $10m Golden Eagle at Rosehill.

Williams looked home for all money on crack three-year-old colt Growing Empire in last month’s Group 1 Manikato Stakes at The Valley before a “tycoon” blew.

It was a Southport Tycoon, with Mark Zahra weaving through from near last to storm home over the top of Williams and Growing Empire for a miraculous last-gasp victory.

• 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!

On the hunt for his first Golden Eagle triumph after recently becoming a two-time The Everest winner when Bella Nipotina saluted, Williams was delighted to have secured the Southport Tycoon ride.

“I know one thing and that’s if you are on Southport Tycoon, he can’t go past you, that’s the best part,” Williams quipped.

“Southport Tycoon denied me a Manikato win not long ago and I have got nightmares of that race.

“This time Mark Zahra is staying in Melbourne and I am really looking forward to riding Southport Tycoon.”

Nothing in it … Southport Tycoon edges out Growing Empire in the Manikato. Picture: Racing Photos.

• McKenna's wife reveals emotional final journey for racing giant

Southport Tycoon, who also scored the Group 1 Australian Guineas earlier this year, is rated an $11 chance in the rich Golden Eagle (1500m).

He had been $9 before Tuesday night’s barrier draw but his task was made no easier when drawing barrier 15 of 20.

Williams has linked with Southport Tycoon once before but said he was delighted that Zahra was staying in Melbourne to ride on Victoria Derby day.

“I believe Southport Tycoon is the right horse for what is going to be an amazing edition of the Golden Eagle,” Williams said.

SOUTHPORT TYCOON FROM THE CLOUDS! 🔥

The Written Tycoon 4YO wins his 2nd Group 1 ⭐️ @cmaherracingpic.twitter.com/Gz97Lfbadq

— Racing.com (@Racing) September 27, 2024

• Golden Eagle barrier draw: Japanese favourite draws 17

“Mark (Zahra) thinks I will suit this horse really well but he also joked that he told the owners that the horse should be running when he could ride it.

“Mark is one of my good friends and one of the greatest riders.

“When he went past me on this horse in the Manikato, his performance was phenomenal.”

Williams is in golden form and it is not beyond the realms of possibility he could score The Everest-Golden Eagle-Melbourne Cup treble.

Not only is he on one of the leading fancies in the Golden Eagle, but will be aboard dominant Geelong Cup winner Onesmoothoperator in the Melbourne Cup, in which the foreign raider is a $6 chance.

Craig Williams celebrates his The Everest victory aboard Bella Nipotina. Picture: AFP

• WATCH: Craig Williams lays bare raw and emotional Ukraine visit

At age 47, Williams knows he is closer to the end than the start of his riding career. But his passion for riding winners is burning as bright as ever and he estimates he could have another eight years in the saddle.

“I’ve got the right people around me, I have had the right luck, I am motivated and I love winning,” Williams said.

“I told my wife that I have got no excuses and I have got another eight years (of riding) in me.

“I’m closer to the end than the start, but having said that I am nowhere near retiring.

“Great riders like Frankie Dettori, Jim Cassidy, Damien Oliver – they have been the reference points for me.”

Southport Tycoon was last seen finishing third behind Overpass in the $2m Sydney Stakes over 1200m at Randwick.

Originally published as Southport Tycoon strikes Golden Eagle: Jockey Craig Williams to go from vanquished to victor