Craig Williams’ wise words for next generation of jockeys

By Andrew Smith

Champion jockey Craig Williams knows the importance of having role models in the racing industry to look up to.

It’s why the multiple Group 1-winning hoop jumped at the chance to speak to the next generation of Queensland’s apprentice jockeys in a special mentoring session recently.

The Melbourne-Cup winning rider had the up-and-coming crop hanging on every word during an extensive session at Racing Queensland’s training centre at Deagon.

Williams spoke about his upbringing, experiences riding overseas and the sacrifices he has made to become one of the world’s leading jockeys.

He has spent plenty time in the Sunshine State for this year’s Queensland Racing Carnival, but the opportunity to address the apprentices came through his friendship with former champion jockey Michael Cahill, who now works for Racing Queensland as an Apprentice Jockey Coach.

The 48-year-old relished the opportunity to share his experiences and tips with the young riders.

“It's great to get a good turnout, and for me to give back to our industry,” Williams said.

“I'm only in the position I am because people helped me along the way - guys like Darren Gauci, Damien Oliver, Cash Asmussen, Frankie Dettori, Michael Kinane and Christophe Soumillon.

“I think it's fundamental that we, the riders, give back, and they are our future.

“It's great to see that the future is bright for Australian racing, looking at the apprentices that we have on offer.”

Craig started his apprenticeship under father and Group 1-winning trainer Allan Williams in 1993, claiming his first metropolitan winner later that season at Caulfield.

Since then, he has posted 82 Group 1 wins including the 2019 Melbourne Cup, along with multiple wins in the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and The Everest.

He has also enjoyed successful riding stints in the United Kingdom, France, the UAE, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong.

There has been plenty of success in the Sunshine State too, with the jockey taking out the 2007 and 2021 Stradbroke Handicaps on Sniper’s Bullet and Tofane respectively.

Williams noted the vast abundance of resources available to apprentices today compared to when he was coming through the ranks in his early days.

“They're definitely set up to have a lot more access to things that weren't there in the past,” Williams said.

“Racing is evolving with the change around the world, and they've just got a lot more access to things. 

“But the demand on apprentices now is a lot different than what it was before - they're up to speed with things that matter and things that happen on a daily basis, so that the apprentices now have great opportunities. 

“They have a lot of things at their disposal, which is so important - it's just whether or not they choose to utilise them, which I've been hoping that they do.”

These days, Williams enjoys competing alongside Joao Moreira, Ryan Moore, James McDonald and Blake Shinn, who he is attempting to chase down in the hunt for a tenth Melbourne jockeys' premiership.

He believes the next generation of stars to come out of the Sunshine State are in good hands with the mentoring of Cahill and fellow Group 1-winning hoops Robbie Fradd and Shane Scriven.

Leading Brisbane jockey Jimmy Orman’s stint in Hong Kong has also given local riders something else to aspire to.

“Top riders in Australia come from everywhere, and one thing I noticed after traveling as many years I've been doing it and been lucky enough to represent Australia and go international, is that there's a lot of respect for Australian riders around the world,” Williams said.

“And it doesn't matter where they come from, whether it was whichever state or territory of Australia or even New Zealand. 

“We obviously get thrown in the same bucket, but good riders are good riders, and they can come from anywhere.

“It's just important that for me, that that I give back to the industry that's given so much to myself.”

Williams unfortunately failed to add to his Group 1 tally during the 2025 edition of the Stradbroke Handicap, with Rothfire coming in seventh at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

He has enjoyed success at the top level by going back-to-back in the Doomben 10,000 in 2023 and 2024, but his only Group success this winter has come with Spicy Martini in the Group 3 Fred Best.

While he won’t be able to add to that tally in the Tattersall’s Tiara due to suspension, Williams is still relishing the opportunities he has been given in the Queensland winter as he looks to bring up his century of Group 1 wins.

“It's always great to be up here – I’ve had good success, I always seem to and love getting the support I do up here,” Williams said.

“It's a lovely part of Australia to be into, and especially this time of the year with the racing.

“The carnival is very important for us - we've got goals which is getting to 100 Group 1s.”