Dinner jockey rides high

By Callan Date
HIGH flying jockey Craig Williams returned to his old stomping ground last week and had a meeting of Cranbourne traders hanging on his every word.
The reigning Scobie Breasley medallist was joined by successful horse trainer Robbie Griffiths at the Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce and Industry dinner at Amstel Golf Club last Wednesday week.
About 100 people attended the Spring Carnival theme night and listened intently to both Williams and Griffiths talk about their affinity with Cranbourne.
Several other local traders spoke on the night which is regarded as an ideal opportunity for fellow businessmen and women to connect with their professional peers.
Griffiths, 37, entertained the audience with his racing stories, his early battles to establish himself as a jockey and the success he has had since moving into the training arena.
He was also full of praise for the Cranbourne Racecourse and Training Complex – a centre he rates as one of the best in the southern hemisphere.
“The tracks and training facilities are magnificent,” Griffiths said.
The trainer, who says his best horse was Moonee Valley specialist Dandy Kid, was also keen to dismiss the notion that thoroughbred racing was a sport of kings and outlined how easy it is to get involved by owning a horse.
“It’s not all about the dollars. It can be quite affordable if you get a syndicate of people together,” he said.
Griffiths also commented on how hard a race the Cranbourne Cup was to win and, although he has no runners in it this year, how he would love to one day win his home-town cup.
Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce president Derek West rounded out the night by telling the audience how important the Cranbourne Racing Industry was to the local economy.