I had several talks with Craig while he was disqualified, and I knew from the determination he showed me he would be giving it his best shot.
You couldn't ask for better at this stage.
I can't elaborate further but there are a couple of things we really need to address.
He's spent about 100 of the last 300 meetings on the sidelines.
He's over-competitive. He's met the riding skills panel and demonstrated to me at a meeting last week he fully understands where he's gone wrong in the past.
The issue of horse welfare is of paramount concern for us. We regard this is as a very serious breach of the rules of racing.
He shifted ground but it was only minimal. It was not enough to warrant a suspension.
His strength is his biggest asset. I still think he uses the whip too much and I've told him that. He's so good hands and heels.
I had a talk to him and his boss (Lee Hope) today when they called in.
If a rider appeals against a suspension in, say, a Cox Plate, the right to ride on Derby Day at Flemington a week later and in the Melbourne Cup will be at the discretion of the Appeals Board.
