Chad Schofield is in the box seat for the Sydney apprentices’ premiership but his rivals will try to chip away at his lead next week as the youngster sits out a careless riding suspension.
Schofield only returned from another careless riding ban just over a week ago but fell foul of stewards again on Friday night at Canterbury and was handed a four-meeting suspension.
The 17-year-old, who has earned plenty of praise in racing circles in the past six months for his ability in the saddle, has skipped away to a 12-win lead in the Sydney apprentices’ premiership approaching the halfway mark of the season.
Schofield is over the moon with how things are going in his fledgling career but naturally disappointed to be spending more time on the sidelines.
“The two suspensions have come close together.” I’ve just got to concentrate on not getting any more,” Schofield said.
His suspension will start after he rides at Saturday’s Rosehill meeting and he is free to return to the saddle on Thursday, February 2.
Schofield pleaded guilty to shifting in at the 1400m mark of the Driving Strong Relationships Handicap (1550m) on Friday night aboard Magic Spur, making heavy contact with Acta Non Verba who was ridden by fellow apprentice Shaun Guymer.
“We’ve spoken to Chad about the need to, whilst urging out of the barriers, be aware of what’s around him in the race,” deputy chief steward Greg Rudolph said.
“It’s fine to take up a position in the race, but it can’t be at the detriment of other riders.”
Schofield has already ridden 26 metropolitan winners this season including two winning trebles, and is equal seventh in the overall Sydney jockeys premiership.
Sam Clipperton is second in the race for the apprentices title on 14 with Adam Hyeronimus (13) and Guymer (10) close behind.
Hyeronimus got off the mark for his new boss Gai Waterhouse on Saturday with a bold front running display on Upon This Rock at Rosehill.
Hugh Bowman’s six win haul over two days at Canterbury and Rosehill has extended his lead over Schofield’s father Glyn in the battle for the senior premiership.
AAP TURF
