Craig Williams has lost the ride on Giga Kick with Sydney’s leading jockey James McDonald named as his replacement for his next start.
Williams was informed on Friday evening of the decision to go with McDonald in the final act of the fall-out from Williams’ ride on Giga Kick when the star sprinter was beaten first-up in last Saturday’s G2 McEwen Stakes at The Valley.
The jockey was roundly criticized for his ride, where Giga Kick sizzled in the middle sections of the race after missing the start, before fading late behind the impressive Kiwi mare Imperatriz.
Trainer Clayton Douglas said: “James is Sydney’s leading rider and I think he will suit the horse very well as we continue the preparation towards defending the Everest crown. The team decided to run with James once it became clear he was available.
“Craig is a good rider and I am sure he will bounce back and be riding winners for me and also in the red and white silks again in the future.”
Giga Kick is expected to run next in the G2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on September 30, two weeks before his Everest defence.
– racing.com
