logo
Craig Williams cops suspension on Stradbroke Handicap pick-up ride

Craig Williams cops suspension on Stradbroke Handicap pick-up ride

News.com.aua day ago

Craig Williams ' late Group 1 pick-up ride on Rothfire has resulted in the champion Victorian jockey being suspended for 14 days.
Williams had been set to ride Gary Portelli's mare Kimochi in the Stradbroke Handicap until the Yulong-owned mare injured her tendon on Friday.
He was then without a Stradbroke ride but gained one when James McDonald, who has been battling illness, was unable to make the weight on Rothfire.
However, the story had a sting in its tail with Williams suspended for careless riding for a back straight incident where Spicy Martini was tightened up.
Cejay Graham also came to the attention of stewards and was suspended for 14 days for careless riding on King Kapa in the Hinkler Handicap.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Weston stars as Vixens make big step towards Super Netball glory
Weston stars as Vixens make big step towards Super Netball glory

News.com.au

time35 minutes ago

  • News.com.au

Weston stars as Vixens make big step towards Super Netball glory

Melbourne Vixens coach Simone McKinnis hailed a thrilling win over the NSW Swifts as a 'significant step' for her team after holding off the ladder leaders to claim their first top-four scalp of the season in a boost to their finals ambitions. Storming to their fourth consecutive win, the Vixens defied a flurry of late super shots from Swifts goal attack Helen Housby to inflict the second loss of the season on the table-topping team with their 70-68 victory at John Cain Arena on Sunday. The win put the Vixens back in fourth spot on the ladder ahead of the Thunderbirds, who they are battling for a finals berth. Last season's runners-up to Adelaide, the Vixens have found their groove after a shaky start to their campaign when they struggled to find consistency and even had McKinnis suggest a trip to the pub was needed to inject life into their 'flat' game. The Vixens led throughout the match – and by as much as 11 goals in the third quarter – but the Swifts stormed home and threatened to steal the game off the back of some superb super shot shooting from Housby and a lift in defensive intensity. Vixens goal defence Jo Weston was named player of the match as the back-court stalwart finished with three deflections and two long-range goal assists from midcourt. Weston worked overtime with goal keeper Rudi Ellis to restrict the impact of Swifts' star import Grace Nweke (40 from 43) and Housby (11/13). At the other end, goalers Sophie Garbin (47/49) and Kiera Austin (20/23, including three of four two-pointers) also starred with their connection in the circle back to its best. The victory was the Vixens' first win of the season against a team in the top four after earlier losses to the Thunderbirds, West Coast Fever, Swifts and Lightning, who they face again next round on the road. McKinnis, in her last season as Vixens' coach, said the win against a top-four opponent was an important breakthrough, but the team could not yet afford to look any further ahead than its next battle. 'I'm really pleased, super happy. I thought they did an amazing job taking the game on from the start,' McKinnis said. 'I thought it was important for us to be able to get that win, we haven't had one over a team that's in the (top) four. I thought it was a significant step for us, but super proud of the girls. 'We have got Sunshine Coast Lightning next week and we had a poor game against them earlier in the year, so we want to put out a good game next week. 'It is just that shift now to Lightning … what's going to give us the best opportunity to have the best result that we can get next Saturday night? 'Things are in our hands, but we just have to keep that focus on the here and now.' Swifts' goal shooter Sophie Fawns, who replaced Nweke in the power play periods, missed her final two-point attempt with just over 30 seconds left to play in the match, which would have drawn the scores. The Swifts retain top spot on the ladder by percentage only over the Fever, but Swifts coach Briony Akle was pragmatic after the loss. 'I thought when we had that shot at the end, maybe we should have gone for a one-pointer, but it is what it is,' Akle said. 'If we got the goal, it would have been great, but we didn't and that's sport. 'I never like to lose, but I feel like Vixens are a top side and I thought they were amazing tonight in their attack. 'I expected a really hard game and they just came out and we didn't have answers. Disappointed but moving forward.' WESTON WIND-UP McKinnis was able to have a laugh about the trademark Weston wind-up after her pair of goal assists from centre court, but praised the 'outstanding' defensive leadership of the Diamonds' defender. 'You can see it coming because you watch her and you go, 'Oh, here we go',' McKinnis said. 'But I thought Jo was outstanding today. Just the workrate and the leadership for those around her has just been so good. So I'll let her have a couple of goal assists. 'The discipline is something that we have spoken about, we have been highly penalised and that decision-making and staying in play. 'Jo is so competitive, she would be one of the most competitive people I know. But for her to be able manage that, the decision-making and keep the pressure on … and just the support she shows to Rudi as well. 'The whole attack end of Swifts is a tough attack end, it's just that mindset which Jo has to keep persevering and just keep at it.' CONSECUTIVE LOSSES The Swifts stormed into premiership favouritism after a blistering start to the season when they won their opening eight matches. With their blockbuster off-season signing, Silver Ferns star Nweke dominating under the post, many had considered the Swifts an early lock for this year's crown. But consecutive losses in the past two rounds have shown they are not bulletproof. The Fever flexed their flag credentials last round with an 11-goal win over the Swifts in Sydney before the Vixens handed them their first loss on the road. 'It's just reality checks around accountability and working as a unit,' Akle said. 'As any coach would, we will go back and have a look at the footage and delve deeply into that and what that means for us moving forward, but I haven't lost any faith.' The Swifts face the Giants in a Sydney derby next round. SUPER SHOT STAR Housby did her best to almost single-handedly drag the Swifts over the line in the final quarter with an almost flawless performance from two-point range. The English international nailed eight of nine two-point attempts for the match, including four in the final power play period. 'It is not easy shooting those super shots under pressure when you are 10 down and the whole team relying on you,' Akle said. 'I thought Sophie (four from seven two-pointers) came on and supported her beautifully in that role tonight. She hasn't had a lot of court time obviously, but the minutes she had I thought she was extremely valuable and helped Helen out and just released that pressure valve for her as well.'

Port forward boots seven goals to sink Melbourne
Port forward boots seven goals to sink Melbourne

Perth Now

timean hour ago

  • Perth Now

Port forward boots seven goals to sink Melbourne

Spearhead Mitch Georgiades has kicked a career-high seven goals to inspire Port Adelaide to a vital 25-point win against Melbourne. The Power, with defender Esava Ratugolea also hitting a personal high, prevailed 14.9 (93) to 9.14 (68) at Adelaide Oval on Sunday. Ratugolea took a career-best 13 marks as the Power (six wins, seven losses) leapt from 15th to 10th on the ladder. Melbourne remain in the mire after a third consecutive defeat, anchored in 14th spot and, after their bye, facing away games against finals-bound Gold Coast and Adelaide. The Demons were plucky against Port but again paid for inaccuracy, recording more behinds than goals for the ninth time this season. Power forward Georgiades also missed a series of attempts in kicking 7.4 - the most shots for a Port player this century - while dominating his esteemed opponent Steven May. Port's Darcy Byrne-Jones kicked two majors and his teammate Jason Horne-Francis (29 disposals) was prolific before injuring a shoulder. Power captain Connor Rozee (32 touches) and his deputy Zak Butters (27) were also busy before a 30,982-strong home crowd. Melbourne's multi-million dollar man Kysaiah Pickett, fresh from signing a contract to remain a Demon until 2034, slotted three goals and Bailey Fritsch and Jacob van Rooyen kicked two each. But skipper Max Gawn faces match review scrutiny for a dangerous tackle on Georgiades in the first quarter. The Demons, after two Pickett goals in 90 seconds, were one point down midway through the second quarter when the tide rapidly turned. After Melbourne butchered an attacking entry, the Power swept downfield for a Willie Rioli goal. While the Power were celebrating, Demon defender Judd McVee landed a gut punch on Georgiades which was spotted by the umpire. Georgiades was awarded a free without the ball returning to the centre and kicked the second major in a stretch of four unanswered goals that created a 24-point halftime lead, 9.6 to 5.6. How about the smarts from Visentini to set up a pivotal Power goal 😮‍💨#AFLPowerDees AFL (@AFL) June 15, 2025 Melbourne rallied in the third term with two goals to Fritsch and a Daniel Turner strike reducing their deficit to only five points. The visitors arguably should have been in front, with another handful of shots at goal sprayed wide as they scored 3.5 for the quarter. And the Demons paid a hefty price for their waste late on when Sam Powell-Pepper was awarded a dubious holding-the-ball free against Jack Viney on a wing. Viney was penalised 50 metres for delaying returning the ball to Powell-Pepper, who goaled after the siren to give Port a 15-point buffer at three quarter-time. Port added three more successive goals, including two more from Georgiades, to seal victory.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store