Williams to ride James J Braddock in Melbourne Cup

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 01:50 · Archive

Jockey Craig Williams will ride James J Braddock for trainer Joseph O'Brien in the Melbourne Cup.

Craig Williams, who won the 2019 Melbourne Cup with Vow And Declare, will ride James J Braddock for Irish trainer Joseph O'Brien at this year's Melbourne Cup at Flemington. Williams has not yet ridden the four-year-old horse and will not meet him until the mounting yard moments before the race begins on the first Tuesday in November.

Williams described the partnership as 'racing's version of a blind date'. He said it was not unusual in modern racing to ride horses for the first time, as jockeys frequently travel globally for different mounts. Co-owner Ozzie Kheir persuaded Williams to take the ride, with the jockey stating he had eight hours to make the decision.

James J Braddock, named after the 1930s heavyweight boxer who inspired the film Cinderella Man, is priced at $13. O'Brien seeks to add to previous Melbourne Cup victories with Rekindling in 2017 and Twilight Payment in 2020. Point Of Law is the favourite at $6, with Trustyourinstinct second-favourite at $8.

How it is being reported

• Williams eyes 'Cinderella' success with Cup raiderJames J Braddock shapes as a leading Melbourne Cup contender for Irish trainer Joseph O'Brien, with jockey Craig Williams buoyed by his mount's European form.Perth Now · 27 Oct, 01:21
• Williams eyes 'Cinderella' success with Cup raiderJames J Braddock shapes as a leading Melbourne Cup contender for Irish trainer Joseph O'Brien, with jockey Craig Williams buoyed by his mount's European form.The West Australian · 27 Oct, 01:21

In this story: Craig Williams · Joseph O'Brien · James J Braddock · Ozzie Kheir · Melbourne Cup · Flemington

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