An interesting scene greeted those taking part in the Caulfield races on Tuesday in the wake of the uproar that erupted after the Jimmysstar race at Flemington last Saturday.
Trainer Kieron Maher and part-owner John O'Neill criticized jockey Craig Williams' ride on Jimmysstar after the $151 outsider Honoree spun the exciting runner at The Elms.
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Williams disobeyed Maher's instructions on the $1.26 favourite, moving forward to lead the listed contest rather than coming back to find cover from a difficult gate.
However, Williams had no qualms about helping Maher ride one of his team members ahead of the racetrack at Caulfield.
“Craig, Craig,” Maher said.
“I wanted one thing and he did another but we move forward.”
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Maher said Jimmysstar had stopped tired after the Flemington race but the former Kiwi was enjoying his time in the paddock recovering from his second outing.
“He knew he had escaped,” Maher said.
“He's been a running back for two weeks (since his last run) and is out of his comfort zone.
“He's enjoying some rest and relaxation at the moment.”
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TAB has reduced its Jimmysstar All-Star bid from $8 to $15 following its defeat at Flemington.
Maher said he needed to discuss the lead-up to Jimmysstar to the All-Star Mile with the talented rider's owners before deciding whether there was enough time for another preliminary round.
“We will have to make a decision and chat with the owners to see what we want to do,” Maher said.
“But we'll see how the horse is first.”
Maher said having the All-Star Mile dock was a big part of Jimmysstar's journey, whose destination remains unknown.
“There's a little bit of hype around the horse anyway, and the All-Star Mile adds a little bit to that,” Maher said.
“But that's what racing is about. Everyone likes to have a progressive horse and wonder: Will he get there? Will he make the handicap? Is he a weight-for-age horse?”
“It's a huge step towards achieving the weight-for-age All-Star distance.”
Originally published as Ciaron Maher and Craig Williams 'move on' from the Jimmysstar saga
