Monday, 12 October 2009


David Hayes has severed ties with jockey Craig Williams after the trainer told the rider his services were no longer needed.

Williams gradually increased the number of rides he took from outside stables last season because Hayes urged him to find opportunities elsewhere.

The jockey has since formed strong partnerships with the Brian Mayfield-Smith and Mick Kent stables.

It is believed matters came to a head at Caulfield on Saturday after Williams was beaten into second place on the Hayes-trained filly La Bella Encosta.

No rider has been officially confirmed as a replacement but champion jockey Damien Oliver will ride three runners for Hayes on Saturday, including Eagle Falls in the Group II Caulfield Sprint (1100m).