Glyn Schofield is disappointed some of the attention has been taken away from Manawanui’s winning effort in the $1 million Golden Rose.
As Schofield and trainer Ron Leemon celebrated victory in the Group One feature, much was said about runner-up Smart Missile who suffered his first defeat.
Jockey Glen Boss pointed the finger at apprentice James McDonald for interference at the 600m mark on board Foxwedge as Schofield was up out of trouble dictating terms on Manawanui.
The Golden Rose winner will be seen again on Saturday in the Stan Fox Stakes after which there is a scheduled rematch with Smart Missile in the Caulfield Guineas.
“He has pulled up well from the Golden Rose but it’s unfortunate for him that all the hype seems to be around the beating of Smart Missile rather than us winning,” Schofield said.
“I think his effort has been overshadowed by events that took more headlines away from his winning performance which is disappointing.”
Schofield has been out to Warwick Farm to ride Manawanui since the Golden Rose and can’t wait to partner him again on race day.
“All you can do is win and he did what he had to do (in the Golden Rose),” Schofield said.
“I don’t think in any way was it a flash in the pan or a fluke that he won the Golden Rose and hopefully he’ll prove that again this spring.
“He runs again next Saturday, it’ll be great to get back on him, and then two weeks after that is the Caulfield Guineas and he’s on track for that.”
Schofield has ridden in many countries and among his big wins are the Singapore Airlines International Cup aboard Gitano Hernando in May.
However, the Golden Rose win for trainer Ron Leemon was a special moment for Schofield.
“It means more personally for me because I know what it means to Ron (Leemon),” Schofield said.
“I’m so happy for him.”
The rise of Manawanui as a genuine carnival player is also great for Schofield as his headline horse Hay List sits out this year’s spring carnival due to injury.
AAP TURF
