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Craig Williams booked for James J Braddock mount in Melbourne Cup
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Sun 20 Sep 2026
Veteran Australian jockey Craig Williams has been booked to partner Derby third James J Braddock in the Melbourne Cup, but Joseph O’Brien’s other riding plans for the Flemington showpiece are still to be confirmed.
The 49-year-old – who landed the ‘race that stops a nation’ with Vow And Declare in 2019 – has been snapped up by the gelding’s part-owner, Australian-based Aziz Kheir.
O’Brien could have as many as 10 runners, with St Leger winner Highwayman high up on his list of possibles.
“The second quarantine hasn’t started yet so we still have to get there,” said O’Brien.
“Of the ones that we have entered, they are all being programmed towards the race.
“Omni Man and Starford are going to run in the Caulfield Cup, so they are going down on the first shipment.
“Kizlyar and Small Fry are both going down in the first shipment as well because they probably need to win in Australia to get into the race. The other ones are on the second shipment with the intention of going there.
“Craig Williams is booked for James J Braddock. Aziz Kheir got that sorted during the week. The other ones are undecided as yet.
“Highwayman is the obvious one given he is on the back of a Group One win, but he has plenty of weight for a three-year-old.”
James J Braddock in winning action earlier in the season
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