Giga Kick jockey change: James McDonald set to replace Craig Williams for The Everest

The connections of reigning Everest champion Giga Kick have made a huge decision a month out from the $20 million race, with veteran jockey Craig Williams dumped in favour of the returning James McDonald.

Less than a week after the four-year-old gelding suffered a shock defeat in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes, the call has now been made to sack Williams from riding the sprinter according to a report from Racenet.

The development comes after Rod Douglas - the uncle of Giga Kick's trainer Clayton and the syndicate manager for the stable - went public with his condemnation of Williams' ride, claiming he would have "strangled" the 46-year-old. 

McDonald is currently sidelined due to injury, but is expected to be cleared to return in time for the October 15th event at Royal Randwick, which will see Giga Kick attempt to become the second two-time winner in the race's history.

MORE: The Shorts 2023 betting preview, tips and analysis

Why was Craig Williams sacked from Giga Kick?

Williams was criticised for his ride aboard the star galloper, who was rated an even-money chance with bookmakers but finished third behind Imperatriz and Rothfire. 

The display from the talented sprinter led to the public comments from Douglas on national radio, which has subsequently forced Victorian stewards to investigate the situation. 

Racing expert Sam Wood from The Leg Up Australia took aim at Douglas on this week's episode and believes his comments regarding Williams over-stepped the line.

“The optics of a syndicate manager coming out and saying he is going to physically assault one of our best jockeys in the country is pathetic," he said.

"Emotion has gotten the better of Rod Douglas… integrity has gone out the window here, because of emotion.

"Even if it’s his decision to make, he shouldn’t be saying it and I think this has been overlooked a little bit and the optics of the dialogue used here is really bad."

Co-host Nick Lloyd also claimed the return of the horse wasn't up to scratch and Williams has been dealt a tough hand given the circumstances surrounding the performance. 

“The horse hasn’t pulled up well, it wasn’t fit enough to go first-up and maybe poor old Craig has just been used as a bit of a scapegoat for trainer error," he said.

“This same jockey has ridden your horse an absolute peach to win $10 million in prize money with two Group 1s and an Everest."

McDonald has previously ridden Nature Strip to the 2021 Everest, with the champion retiring in the lead-up to this year's event and leaving the Kiwi hoop without a ride until the Giga Kick decision. 

The Everest 2023 betting odds

The final field is yet to be set, but punters can still bet via the All-In Market.

Giga Kick was the early outright favourite, but a recent loss in the lead-up has seen I Wish I Win join it at the top of the betting market. 

Odds courtesy of Dabble, correct as of September 15th. WHAT'S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU?

*Indicates runners that have been confirmed for The Everest.