Craig Williams’ appeal against a careless riding suspension which threatens his Melbourne Cup dream will be heard on Friday.
French-born jockey Christophe Lemaire is on standby to ride Dunaden in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup, pending the result of Williams’ appeal.
Racing Victoria stewards confirmed that Williams had lodged an appeal against his penalty, which was handed down at Bendigo on Wednesday.
The matter will he heard at 10.30am (AEDT) on Friday.
Top Sydney jockey Nash Rawiller has also appealed a careless riding suspension which stemmed from a separate incident at Bendigo.
His appeal will be dealt with following the Williams hearing.
Rawiller is booked to ride $31 chance Unusual Suspect in the Melbourne Cup while Dunaden is second favourite with TAB Sportsbet at $7.
Both riders will be in action at Saturday’s Derby Day meeting at Flemington before beginning their penalties, unless their respective appeals are successful.
Missing the Cup would be an especially bitter blow for Williams who was angling to become the first jockey to win the three majors in a single spring after claiming the Caulfield Cup on Serious Speed and Cox Plate on Pinker Pinker.
Racing Victoria chief steward Terry Bailey confirmed connections of French raider Dunaden had contacted him regarding the matter and had organised Lemaire as a back-up.
“They have got a jockey on standby in the event the appeal is heard and is unsuccessful,” Bailey said.
Lemaire, currently riding in Japan, has partnered Dunaden twice before in France last year for two thirds.
AAP TURF
