Stewards have told Craig Williams he must ride Ortensia in Sat's Stradbroke at Eagle Farm. They say he had given a commitment through the autumn and winter that he would ride the filly in the big race. Ortensia's trainer Tony Noonan says he's relieved to have the in-form Williams aboard the filly. He says: 'I think Craig Williams is the best rider in Australia...That's why I approached him early in March to ride this filly and I told him then when he trialled her at Cranbourne that she would be
Stewards have told Craig Williams he must ride Ortensia in Sat's Stradbroke at Eagle Farm. They say he had given a commitment through the autumn and winter that he would ride the filly in the big race. Ortensia's trainer Tony Noonan says he's relieved to have the in-form Williams aboard the filly. He says: 'I think Craig Williams is the best rider in Australia...That's why I approached him early in March to ride this filly and I told him then when he trialled her at Cranbourne that she would be heading to the Stradbroke...I knew then she'd be down on the minimum. I was fully aware, as was he, where things stood in that situation. We stuck by him in Sydney, and were quite happy to stick by him in Brisbane...I wanted the best rider in Australia on what I believe is the best filly in Australia.