Craig Williams, born on 23rd May in Victoria Australia is a celebrated Australian jockey. During a career that has lasted over 20 years, Williams’ impact on the track and off it have proven to be significant. While his rise to the top, and trials which followed are certainly epic horse racing journey’s in their own right.
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Profile Summary
| Full Name | Craig Williams |
| Date of Birth | May 23, 1977 |
| Age | 47 years old |
| Place of Birth | Victoria, Australia |
| Father | Allan Williams |
| Mother | Glenda Williams (née Harrison) |
| Siblings | Jason Williams and Damien Williams |
| Career Start | 1993 (Apprenticeship under his father, Allan Williams) |
Early Beginnings
Introduction into horse racing was a matter of ‘when’ not ‘if’ for Williams given his family’s bloodlines in the sport. His father, Allan Williams (himself a successful jockey turned trainer), played a major part in the early years of his career. Craig took out his apprenticeship in 1993 under the tutelage of his father Daniel, and on september 4th, 1997 he was granted a Jockey ‘A’ license. The first major achievement of his career came with becoming the youngest to win a Cranbourne Cup, at just 12 years old.
The support and influence from his family would set the foundation for a remarkable career that began with such brilliance. His mother, Glenda Williams, handles his day-to-day financial affairs for a modest fee and wife Larysa is virtually responsible for making sure Foster stays on top of the world ensuring he keeps to nutritional excellence. As if the Williams family within racing didn’t have a strong enough legacy to its name, Craig’s siblings and extended relatives are also ensconced in motorsport.
International Success
Craig Williams targeted international racing after recording his first Group 1 in the Australasian Oaks with Grand Echezeaux back in 2000. He enjoyed an international career recording victory in the UK, Dubai, Hong Kong and Japan among others. Having a global experience added various dimensions to his skill set thus enabling him as one of the most versatile jockeys of racing today.
Williams’ career boasted one of his biggest highlights in 2019, winning the iconic two mile Melbourne Cup on Vow and Declare. This, and countless other graded victories gave him the reputation of being among top jockeys in all handicaps.
Major Career Wins
Craig Williams’ career is defined by a string of significant victories across some of the world’s most prestigious races. Here are some of his notable wins:
- Melbourne Cup: 2019 with Vow and Declare
- Caulfield Cup: Twice, in 2011 with Southern Speed and 2012 with Dunaden
- Cox Plate: Twice, in 2006 with Fields of Omagh and 2011 with Helmet
- The Everest: 2022 with Giga Kick
- The Everest (Historic Win): 2024 with Bella Nipotina, marking the first time a mare won the race since it was recognized as a Group 1 event
With over 1,939 career wins, including more than 61 Group 1 victories as of July 2021, Williams’ success is undeniable. His strategic brilliance and determination have earned him praise from fans, fellow jockeys, and trainers alike.
Angel’s Owner on Redemption & Everest win
The 2024 Everest: one of the high-points in Craig Williams recent career was winning The World’s Richest Turf Horse race on Bella Nipotina For Williams, in particular this victory was redemptive in nature as he suffered numerous heartbreaks earlier at major races. His tactical riding was celebrated as a masterstroke and testament to his tenacity and ability under the most intense of conditions.
Trainer Ciaron Maher as well was emotional after Bella Nipotina ran up to her best form, earning a slice of the $7 million prize. This win also maintained Williams’ place at the head of Australia’s all-time great riding records.
With humanitarianism in personal life
But even outside of racing, the life of Craig Williams is seeped in to that Ukrainian-born beauty Larysa. Both are united in their dedication to humanitarian issues, particularly with regard to the crisis in Ukraine. The husband and wife team have carried out numerous missions to Ukraine, taking medical supplies as well as helping those caught up in the ongoing conflict. Their efforts to help others, both in and out of the sport have rippled through racing, revealing a jockey with heart—a different side of Ortiz; one fueled by empathy.
A Family Legacy
The Williams family played a key role in shaping Craig’s destiny. His father, Allan — a jockey himself — also became Craig’s mentor as he began his own journey in the sport. Glenda continues looking after his finances and Larysa ensures he keeps in tip top shape, too. But Craig is also inspired by his cousin, Travis Harrison — who died after a car crash in 1996. Today, the annual Travis Harrison Cup is a testament to impact this program left on so many.
Executive Summary Career Earnings Financial Profile
By September 2024, Craig Williams has made around $15. That sum, humble in the context of his long history as a pro racing driver, represents just one piece of his overall financial picture. In the current racing season, Williams has won in excess of $9.1m is prize money which cements him as one of Australia’s elite jockeys. Throughout his career, he managed to get over 1,264 wins from around 8.564 starts with a rate of about14.8%
A Lasting Impact
Featured Image: photo of Craig Williams (photos courtesy Stagecoach Outfitters)Craig Williams has always been intimately familiar with the life of cowboy. From his humble beginnings taking lessons from dad to international wins and contribution in humanitarian efforts, Williams has kept a lasting legacy in horse racing. Though his impact is felt both on and off the track, as a symbol of what can be done through hard work, perseverance and heart.
Race after race, Williams still putting bums on seats and making that next generation want to be a jockey or even just follow the sport in general with an Average Joe driver adding another chapter as one of Australia’s all-time great sportspeople.
Social Accounts
FAQs-
How many Group 1 has Craig Williams won?
Craig Williams has won 61 Group 1 races throughout his career as of early July 2021.
What does lastotchka mean?
“Lastochka” (ласточка) is a Russian word that means “swallow,” referring to the bird. It is also the name of a German/Russian commuter train used in various Russian cities.
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