Williams takes up short stint in Hong Kong

Craig Williams is to take up a short-term contract in Hong Kong to help fill a shortage of lightweight jockeys.

The Melbourne-based jockey will take his family to Hong Kong to ride for just over two weeks, commencing at the international meeting on December 11.

Injuries and suspensions have resulted in a jockey shortage in Hong Kong throughout December.

Williams will complete his Hong Kong stint on December 27 and return to Melbourne for the Moonee Valley meeting on New Year’s Eve and the New Year’s day meeting at Flemington.

French jockey Alexis Badel and Singapore-based Mauritian jockey Nooresh Juglall will also join the Hong Kong riding ranks on limited contracts.

Williams said his family was looking forward to spending Christmas in Hong Kong.

“I was able to accommodate their request and the Hong Kong Jockey Club has been very good in regards to my situation so I’ll be able to have the family with me and spend Christmas in Hong Kong,” Williams said.

“Hong Kong is quite unique and the children will be amazed by the city and the lights and the celebration they do for Christmas over there.

“It will be a new experience and I’m delighted I’ll be able to share that with them.”

Before leaving for Hong Kong, Williams has seven rides at Moonee Valley on Friday night and six on Saturday, including Swacadelic in the day’s feature, the Pakenham Cup.