Hopes for a Royal Ascot reunion between Craig Williams and Melbourne Cup winner Dunaden have been dashed because of the jockey's Japanese commitments.
Dunaden and Craig Williams, picture Sportpix.com.au
Dunaden is a chance to race on the final day of the Royal Ascot carnival on June 23 but Williams can't get a release to take the ride.
"Unfortunately for Craig he has to be back in Japan and he can't ride on the Saturday of Royal Ascot," the jockey's Australian riding agent Mark Guest said.
"Sometimes he is allowed to ride elsewhere at the weekends but he couldn't get the time off this time."
Williams' Japanese obligations also mean he will miss the ride on Ortensia if the Australia sprint star backs against Black Caviar in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes on June 23.
Ortensia, with Williams on board, will be one of the favourites to continue the impressive run of Australian horses in the King's Stand Stakes on Tuesday week - the opening day of the five-day Royal racing festival.
Despite his obvious disappointment at missing the chance to be reunited with Dunaden, Williams remains in the running for other Royal Ascot mounts on the first and second day.
Dunaden is being aimed at the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot after making his seasonal return with a Newmarket placing.
After winning the Geelong Cup on the French stayer Williams missed the Melbourne Cup ride because of suspension.
He was back in the saddle a month later when Dunaden beat a high-class field in the Hong Kong Vase.
Williams will head to Royal Ascot in outstanding form after riding four winners during Sunday's Tokyo meeting.
His haul included the G3 Epsom Cup and comes after a recent G1 success in the NHK Mile.
