Top jockey Craig Williams will miss the Lightning Stakes at Flemington after being suspended at Caulfield on Saturday.
Williams was charged after his mount, Extreme Virtue, shifted out at the 600m. He pleaded guilty.
‘’Rider Craig Williams (Extreme Virtue) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under the provisions of AR131(a), in that near the 600m he permitted his mount to shift out when insufficiently clear of Brung King taking Brung King out into the line of Georgie Got Mad, resulting in Georgie Got Mad being checked,’’ the Stewards report said.
‘’C Williams had his licence to ride in races suspended for a total of 8 race meetings, with the period to commence on Tuesday 10 February 2026 and to expire on Tuesday 17 February 2026. Accordingly, C Williams will be able to return to ride on Wednesday 18 February 2026. In assessing penalty, account was taken of his guilty plea, record and that the incident was in the low-range category.’’
Irish jockey Robert Whearty was also suspended for his ride on Midnite Storm in race 9. He will miss 8 meetings and return on February 12.
Caulfield Race 9 I Midnite Storm
The 5YO makes it two from two in Australia, for team Ciaron Maher ✌️
📺 Ch. 78/68, Foxtel 529, Kayo or via our app
REPLAYS: https://t.co/ZIa4a02wC0 pic.twitter.com/NxooRvCByc— Racing.com (@Racing) January 31, 2026
