Glyn Schofield suspended for 5 weeks, will miss early Autumn Carnival

Jockey Glyn Schofield will miss the early part of the rich Autumn Carnival if his appeal against a five week suspension he received at Warwick Farm on Wednesday is dismissed.

Jockey Glyn Schofield, above on Boban, could miss out on the ride on Chris Waller trained galloper  in the C F Orr Stakes becuase of suspension. Photo by Daniel Costello.

Jockey Glyn Schofield, above on Boban, could miss out on the ride on Chris Waller trained galloper in the C F Orr Stakes becuase of suspension. Photo by Daniel Costello.

Racing New South Wales stewards found Schofield guilty of not riding his mount, Springbok Flyer ($3.40), out to the line when a short head second to Evason ($18), ridden by apprentice Koby Jennings, in the McGrath BenchMark 70 Handicap (2400m).

Schofield will appeal the suspension that is due to commence on Sunday, January 24, 2016, and he will be able to ride again on Sunday, February 28.

If Schofield is rubbed out for the beginning of the Autumn Carnival, he will miss out on the plum ride on the Chris Waller trained Boban in the Group 1 $500,000 C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 13 plus a host of other top Carnival mounts.

Acting chief steward, Marc Van Gestel, said that Schofield clearly stopped riding the Chris Waller trained Springbok Flyer close to the line where the rule states you have to continue riding your horse to the finish line.

“Your riding style shows no intent to continue riding your horse out to the finish,” Van Gestel said.

“We’re not saying it cost you a win but we were satisfied it prejudiced your chances of winning.”

“The rule is there for the protection of the punter and for the perception of the industry.”

Schofield pleaded not guilty and even though he admitted that he did put the whip away, he claimed he never completely stopped riding the five year old.

“I haven’t stopped riding,’’ Schofield said.

“The film clearly shows that Evason has passed me at least two strides before the finish and I am still pushing my horse out to the line.’’

“I was still pushing with my pushing (right) arm and you can see it fully extended.”

“I feel without doubt that I have fulfilled my obligation to win the race.”

Schofield is free to ride on Saturday and has five mounts at Randwick, two for trainer Kris Lees, Le Romain in the Schweppes Quality (1000m) and Onemorezeta in the Cellarbrations Handicap (1200m), as well as Madame De Ban for Matthew Dunn in the Highway Handicap, Pico Turquino for Chris Waller in the More Than Ready @ Vinery Handicap (1600m) and Red Dubawi for Kerry Parker in the Hyland Race Colours Handicap (2000m).

Schofield has forged a long and successful association with Boban with the pair collecting five Group 1 wins together.

The former South African jockey and Boban claimed their first Group 1 win in the 2013 $500,000 The Star Epsom (1600m) at Randwick and backed up two starts later to win the Group 1 $1m Emirates Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.

Schofield and Boban then went on to win the 2014 Group 1 $500,000 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) at Warwick Farm, the 2015 Group 1 $750,000 James Boag’s Premium Doomben 10000 (1350m) at Doomben and the Group 1 $400,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield during the 2015 Melbourne Spring Carnival.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.