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Racing

Williams pegs one back in premiership race

The Melbourne jockeys’ premiership has heated up with Craig Williams scoring an early win at Sandown.

Bossy Benita winning the MRC Membership Feel The Thrill Handicap at Sandown Lakeside in Australia.
Bossy Benita winning the MRC Membership Feel The Thrill Handicap at Sandown Lakeside in Australia. Picture: Racing Photos

The hard work Craig Williams put in during an enforced break from race riding paid a dividend at Sandown. 

Williams partnered the Michael Mehegan-trained Bossy Benita to win the MRC Membership Feel The Thrill Handicap (1200m) on Wednesday. 

Bossy Benita is proving a Sandown specialist with Wednesday's first-up victory on the Lakeside course coming after back-to-back victories on the Hillside track last campaign. 

Williams was riding at his first metropolitan meeting since June 21 having been sidelined with a suspension incurred when riding in the Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm the week prior. 

While on his two-week sabbatical, Williams made himself available for trackwork and continued his association with Bossy Benita in a Sandown jump-out on June 25. 

"Credit must go to her trainer Michael Mehegan," Williams said. 

"He's a really good horseman and is educating her and bringing her along nicely and he was confident enough to put some headgear on her. 

"I jumped her out the other day and gave him some feedback, and he was able to work with that. 

"He's found the right product and the right tools to win first-up and there is more in store." 

The victory moved Williams one win closer to Blake Shinn in the Victorian Jockeys' Metropolitan Premiership race. 

Shinn had been sidelined since late May with a foot injury and like Williams was riding for the first time since the enforced break on Wednesday. 

Williams has now cut the lead to seven with six meetings of the season remaining. 

"I love these battles in these championships," Williams said. 

"This battle with Blake has inspired me to ride more and do better and if he wasn't here now it may be a lot easier. 

"But this is what racing is about, competition. I love the competition, and he gives me great motivation." 

Williams joked he had a 'frosty' reception when he arrived in the jockeys' room as Shinn's 'nanna' was working in the room as an attendant. 

"Raelene is here today, Blake's nanna, and she said 'don't you go beating Blake'," Williams said. 

"But I said if it wasn't for me being here, Blake wouldn't be here either." 


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