Craig Williams prioritises Queensland carnival Group 1s over Melbourne premiership chase

Craig Williams has eight weeks to reel in Blake Shinn’s 12-win lead in the Melbourne jockeys’ premiership, but his schedule may not allow it.

Craig Williams will ride in Brisbane on Wednesday and Saturday. Picture: Getty Images

Champion jockey Craig Williams has declared any pursuit of a 10th Melbourne premiership would not be at the expense of current Queensland winter carnival commitments.

Williams has key rides in Brisbane on Wednesday and Saturday respectively, with Group 1 bids on Let’s Fly (Queensland Oaks), Kimochi (Kingsford Smith Cup) and Party Crasher (Queensland Derby).

The 82-time Group 1 winner is likely to ride in Queensland for up to three of the next four Saturdays, with Tatt’s Tiara options yet to be locked down.

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Williams, who has seven mounts at Doomben on Wednesday, including Spicy Martini in the Group 3 Fred Best Classic, a Stradbroke Handicap qualifier, has ridden 55 winners in Melbourne this season.

His next opportunity to eat into a 12-win deficit on champion jockey Blake Shinn is King’s Birthday Monday at Mornington.

“I’ve got a mother, I’ve got a wife (and) I’ve got a manager, three people that (tell me where to go),” Williams said.

“I’m enjoying what I’m doing, I had a bit of time off with a suspension recently, and I’m happy to ride wherever he (manager) gets me to ride.

“We always look forward to the (Melbourne premiership race) and I guess now we’re in a position where it’s definitely a realistic goal, but again, my manager tells me where to go.”

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Shinn, stuck on 67 winners, was poised to claim a second Melbourne premiership in three seasons – third overall – before an injury setback (foot) last week at Cranbourne jumpouts.

Williams has eight weeks officially to surpass Shinn but the nine-time champion jockey had only planned to ride through to July 5 – Flemington Finals Race Day – before a short break.

The last Melbourne metro meeting for the 2024-25 season is July 30 at Sandown.

Williams is 12 wins behind Blake Shinn in the Melbourne jockeys’ premiership. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

Williams is slated to return to Ukraine next month on another humanitarian aid mission.

Williams and Ukrainian-born wife Larysa the past three years led campaigns to raise more than $2m, primarily for first aid and medical supplies, to support the war against Russia.

The 48-year-old conceded the lure of another premiership loomed large, at least for the next month.

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“There’s no doubt, I’ve always had a focus point about the championship,” Williams said.

“It’s one of those goals every rider strives to go for … obviously it’s going to be a consideration when my manager and I work out our schedule for the next period of time.

“I’m really happy where I’m at, at the moment, and I’m loving what I’m doing, so my manager says ‘Craig you’re going here’ then I’m turning up, whatever the weather, I’m happy to be there.”

The late Roy Higgins and Bill Duncan won a record 11 Victorian metropolitan premierships apiece, while legendary jockey Damien Oliver retired with 10 titles under the belt.

Williams last topped the Melbourne premiership table in 2020.

Originally published as Craig Williams prioritises Queensland carnival Group 1s over Melbourne premiership chase