Queensland winter carnival: Craig Williams’ emotional bond with winter carnival prospect Far Too Easy

The Queensland winter carnival has been a happy hunting ground for legendary jockey Craig Williams and he kicks off here on Saturday with a horse close to his heart.

Craig Williams has won the Melbourne Cup, The Everest and the Golden Slipper, but it’s for emotional reasons that the trophy for scoring the $2m Kosciuszko on Far Too Easy takes pride of place in his bulging trophy cabinet.

The riding legend is about to set up shop riding in the Sunshine State for large parts of the Queensland winter carnival and he kicks off by riding David McColm’s star Far Too Easy in the Group 2 Victory Stakes at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

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Far Too Easy is the horse from northern NSW who has survived raging floodwaters and deadly infections and Williams only knew part of the gelding’s remarkable backstory before winning The Kosciuszko at Randwick last October.

Now, Williams fully appreciates all the emotion and can’t wait to link with Far Too Easy on Saturday, with McColm’s wonder horse a $6 equal favourite in the Victory as he kicks off a Stradbroke Handicap campaign.

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“The Kosciuszko trophy takes pride of place in my trophy cabinet at home,” Williams said.

“And that’s because I heard David interviewed after the race and I spent time with him and his family.

“I got a really good understanding of what this horse means to them.

“There is a lot of backstory to this horse.

“I had a connection with the horse but I didn’t understand it all to start with.

“But then, after listening to the interview, I went ‘wow’.

FAR TOO EASY! The horse from the Northern Rivers has claimed The Kosciusko after placing in the last two editions! 🏆pic.twitter.com/pZMwbbzoAh

— TABtouch (@TAB_touch) October 19, 2024

Williams has seven rides at Eagle Farm on Saturday and said he loves riding in the Queensland winter, where he often makes a semi-permanent home during the carnival.

Queensland has been a happy hunting ground for the Victorian jockey and he has ridden five Group 1 winners in the Sunshine State.

They include scoring consecutive Doomben 10,000s after winning the last two years on Bella Nipotina and Giga Kick.

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Far Too Easy is on a Stradbroke Handicap path and Williams said the horse can give the Queensland’s most prestigious race a mighty shake.

“On his best form, he is absolutely a great chance in the Stradbroke,” Williams said.

“To sit on his back and ride him, he is such a gentleman and he can produce some phenomenal performances.

“He is a good horse and David is a great horseman.

“I love coming to Queensland and I enjoy the Brisbane carnival to its fullest.”

Trainer David McColm and jockey Craig Williams after winning The Kosciuszko. Picture: Getty Images

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Meanwhile, Williams will make his first trip to the central Queensland beef capital of Rockhampton when he partners Tony Gollan galloper Comrade Rosa in the $1m The Archer slot race on Sunday.

Comrade Rosa is an $11 chance after drawing barrier 12.

Williams has sought advice from his great mate, recently retired jockey Michael Cahill, about riding on the Rockhampton track.

“I have never been to Rockhampton before, so I am looking forward to it,” Williams said.

“Michael Cahill has told me racetrack in Rockhampton is great and there’s a big, long straight.

“He told me I would enjoy my time up there.”

Originally published as Queensland winter carnival: Craig Williams’ emotional bond with winter carnival prospect Far Too Easy