Williams won't be riding Dunaden at Ascot

Tue 12 Jun

Craig Williams will not partner Dunaden if the Melbourne Cup winner runs over the Ascot Carnival.

Dunaden is a chance to race on the final day at Ascot in the Hardwicke Stakes.

Williams will be Ascot at the start of the Carnival to ride Ortensia in the King’s Stand Stakes on the Tuesday, but he must return to Japan that weekend to fulfill his riding obligations.

Not only will it mean there would be no chance to ride Dunaden, he would be unable to ride Ortensia is the sprinter was to back up and take on Black Caviar on the Saturday in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes.

While Williams missed out on riding Dunaden in the Melbourne Cup because he was suspended, he has had success on the French stayer in the Geelong Cup and also the Hong Kong Vase.