LEADING Australian jockey Craig Williams can't really lose at Ascot in England on Saturday night when he re-acquaints himself with last year's Melbourne Cup champion Dunaden, reports The Age.It says: Depending on the result of the 2400-metre group 1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Dunaden will either join the jockey in Australia this spring to defend his Melbourne Cup title or provide Williams with a rare opportunity for an Australian jockey to ride in one of Europe's premier events,

LEADING Australian jockey Craig Williams can't really lose at Ascot in England on Saturday night when he re-acquaints himself with last year's Melbourne Cup champion Dunaden, reports The Age.

It says: Depending on the result of the 2400-metre group 1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Dunaden will either join the jockey in Australia this spring to defend his Melbourne Cup title or provide Williams with a rare opportunity for an Australian jockey to ride in one of Europe's premier events, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in early October.

Dunaden's owner Sheikh Fahad Al Thani told London's Telegraph newspaper that he believed the Australian jockey had a special relationship with the horse and was keen for them to again join forces. He said Williams' meticulous preparation had impressed him at their initial meeting in Melbourne last year that he opted to engage Williams this weekend after the stayer had been ridden by two of Europe's best riders, Johnny Murtagh and his Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Christophe Lemaire.

''I've studied the videos, and I believe Craig has a special relationship with Dunaden,'' Sheikh Fahad said.

Williams famously missed the winning Melbourne Cup ride on Dunaden due to suspension but partnered the horse to wins in the Geelong Cup and Hong Kong Vase last year. Sheikh Fahad said Dunaden would progress to the Prix de l'Arc De Triomphe at Longchamp in October if he finishes in the placings at the weekend but would probably head to Australia if he missed the money at Ascot.

Dunaden last ran in the group 2 Hardwicke Stakes over 2400 metres over the Royal Ascot carnival when he was twice held up badly in the straight before sprinting home late to finish second to Sea Moon.


www.theage.com.au