Craig Williams will miss the first Group One meeting of the Australian racing season to compete in the World All-Star Jockeys series in Japan.
Williams accepted the invitation several weeks ago with the two-day event at Sapporo on August 29 and 30, the same weekend as the Memsie Stakes at Caulfield.
It means Williams will miss the first-up ride on Volkstok’n’barrell should the Rosehill Guineas winner run in the Memsie (1400m).
The World All-Star Jockeys has been renamed having formerly been known as the World Super Jockeys Series which Williams competed in seven times, winning in 2007 and finishing second in 2010.
The four-race series over the two days also incorporates a teams event as well as the individual competition among the 14 jockeys.
Joao Moreira, Thierry Jarnet, Hayley Turner and Russell Baze are the other five international riders competing.
“I’m looking forward to representing Australia over there against other international jockeys,” Williams said.
The trip means Williams will have the chance to meet the connections of Hokko Brave who he will ride in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups this spring.
Hokko Brave finished third in the Tenno Sho – Spring in 2014 and was sixth in the 3200m Group One race this year.
“It looks like I might be able to see the owners, so hopefully that’s the case,” Williams said.
“I know I’m going to be collecting a DVD with all of his races so I’ll have a little bit more information about the horse. Also the assistant trainer will come and introduce himself to me at the races.”
Williams is looking forward to riding Hokko Brave in Melbourne.
“There’s no doubt in my mind, if he brings his best form he can win our major races,” he said.
