Champion jockey Craig Williams has turned his attention to a sixth Ukraine humanitarian mission after mathematically securing the dream 10th Melbourne rider’s premiership.
Williams has a 13-win lead over Jamie Mott with an eight-race Sandown card on Wednesday to complete the metropolitan season.
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Leading jockey Mott, set to claim the state title for the first time, challenged Williams the past month for the metropolitan crown.
“It’s one of the goals we set every year (premiership), we have many goals obviously, and when you’re in the position, close to it,” Williams said.
“You start planning around it and that’s what we did … it’s worked out, so Larysa (wife) and I are heading over to Ukraine now to deliver our humanitarian aid.
“You go from completing another goal to realising not everyone has the same life as we all have … it makes you put perspective on things but makes me be grateful.
“I love my job, I can do a sport, my children grow up in a safe country, it’s something I’m really grateful for.”
Williams with Ukraine-born wife Larysa has travelled to war-torn nation since the Russian conflict started in 2022, twice in the first year, delivering about $3.3m to date in humanitarian aid, including trauma first-aid kits, medical equipment, vehicles to be repurposed as ambulances and essential survival gear.
Generous ongoing donations, largely from within the Australian racing community, and personal contributions has funded the Williams’s Ukraine project.
Williams has captured an elusive 10th “championship” in 20 years and first since the 2019-2020 season.
Williams joined the retired Damien Oliver on 10 and moved to within one of a record (11) held by the late turf icons Billy Duncan and Roy Higgins.
“I chased one, I chased two, three, four, five but it’s great (to get 10),” Williams said.
“You’re only as good as your opposition … the last two and a bit months every time I closed my eyes I could see 10.
“Every time I did my workout every morning, looking up at the wall, I saw 10, I was driven by it, but I can’t do it alone.
“My team is amazing, my manager, my family, all the people … it’s great we have so many people driven to this, the result is not me, it’s everyone.
“Plus the opportunities I get from trainers, owners, and the horses have to run their hearts out, it’s been a fantastic season and I’m looking forward to the new season.”
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Williams has ridden 65 winners in Melbourne this season.
Mott moved to 52 with the win aboard Our Chief last Saturday, while a Caulfield double promoted leading apprentice Luke Cartwright (43) to third place.
Mark Zahra (42) led for much of the season but an unfortunate injury earlier in the year stalled progress
Meanwhile, champion trainer Ciaron Maher moved to 100 Melbourne winners for the season with a Caulfield treble last season, en route to a sixth-straight trainer’s title.
Williams Ukraine Project Donations can be made HERE:
PERFECT 10
Craig Williams’ Melbourne Premiership Titles
Season Wins
2005-06 70
2006-07 94
2007-08 86
2008-09 71
2015-16 70
2016-17 77
2017-18 63
2018-19 83
2019-20 70
2025-26 65
Read related topics:Russia And Ukraine Conflict
Gilbert GardinerSports reporter