Craig Williams: A legacy in motion

For Craig Williams, racing isn’t just a profession – it’s woven into his DNA. “I was definitely born to be a jockey,” he says. The son of a jockey and trainer, with two brothers who also became horse trainers, Williams grew up in a household where conversations revolved around racing. “The stories I wrote at school were about winning the Melbourne Cup,” he recalls.

Across 33 years in the saddle, he has built a record that places him among Australia’s most successful riders: the first jockey to achieve the ‘Golden Grand Slam’ of Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate, Golden Slipper, The Everest and the Doncaster.

“I don’t often look back on those things,” he says. “But the major races [such as] the Melbourne Cup was one race that changed my life. They’re the races that captivate the wider audience and they realise that racing is such a great sport.”

That pivotal moment came in 2019 aboard Vow And Declare. Williams vividly remembers the lead-up – the doubts over whether the horse would even make the field, the wide barrier draw, and the international opposition.

“Danny O’Brien was amazing. He just put us all at ease. He said, ‘The barrier’s the barrier. You know the horse.’”

Three and a half minutes later, Williams realised the dream he’d first envisioned as a boy. “I had everything going on in my mind, and then all of a sudden it was, ‘Oh, I just won the Melbourne Cup.’” The significance wasn’t lost on him.

“To do it on an Australian/New Zealand-bred, Australian-trained horse, against the European stayers who had dominated for so long … that was so special.”

As for what he loves most about the sport, it’s the competition. “I love competing. I love riding a 500 kilo animal against another jockey on their 500 kilo animal,” he says.

He is also quick to credit the teams behind the jockey and the horse, including his own manager, trainers, and family. But his philosophy is clear: success comes from having a great work ethos and relentless preparation. 

“You can’t be successful without working hard. The harder you work, the luckier you do become. I love when a plan comes off, and when you get it right, and you win – you have to have the horse, of course, but the fact that it might have been the decision you made, the planning, how you saw it was going to play out, or the instinctive move that you made at the right time with that horse, it’s quite special.”

This mindset has supported him through the demands of a sport that now operates seven days a week, across continents and time zones. He approaches his work like all elite athletes, likening the horse–jockey partnership to the precision teamwork of Formula One or the Tour de France.

Recently, another name has become synonymous with Williams’ – Mr Brightside. “He’s a champion,” Williams simply states. “I’ve never won more Group Ones on any other horse.”

From a quirky, ‘green’ galloper to one of Australia’s top milers, Williams has been part of his journey every step of the way.

“When he steps out with the number one saddle cloth, it shows you how good he is. I feel grateful to be part of that.”

He’s ridden hundreds of horses over his long career, but only a handful – perhaps five – earn his complete trust as “point and shoot” rides. Mr Brightside is one of them, especially in last year’s Champions Mile.

“It was really exciting to close out the Carnival and win the Champions Mile with Mr Brightside. His performance that day was just … wow. He was so dominant. He just delivered. He was awesome.”

Beyond the trophies, Williams’ measure of success is as personal as it is professional. “My wife always says if I come home in my own car, that’s a celebration anyway – it’s a dangerous job. They’re there for the bad times and the good times, so it’s great that I can share it with them. I’m very lucky to have such a great team, as well as a great family.”

The industry is also lucky to have Williams, one of the most respected figures in Australian racing. In a sport where rivalries can be fierce, he has earned universal admiration. Fellow jockeys call him ‘the nicest man in the game’ – a consummate professional whose dedication is unmatched.

Despite decades of success, he remains humble and approachable, making time for everyone from apprentices to senior riders and racegoers. Patient, kind, and generous with his knowledge, he offers thoughtful feedback to fellow jockeys, engages warmly with fans, and promotes the sport to the highest standard.

This blend of talent, grounded character, and a willingness to help others has made Williams not only one of Australia’s most accomplished riders, but also one of the most admired personalities in the jockeys’ room. And he shows no sign of slowing down. “I tell myself I can go out and win everything,” he says with that trademark grin.