Chad Schofield and Zac Lloyd regularly share the Sydney jockeys’ room, but this weekend they will both be donning their race silks in South Africa.
The talented riders, who are also cousins, both happen to be competing in South Africa’s most prestigious race, the Durban July (2200m), Schofield partnering King Pelles for Gareth van Zyl and Lloyd the Justin Snaith-trained Regulation.
“It will be kind of funny sitting with him in the rooms in South Africa,” Schofield said.
“Obviously, we do it here every week, but to be over there together is sentimental.”
Their overseas foray isn’t as much of a stretch as it seems.
Schofield and Lloyd are sons of former top South African jockeys Glyn Schofield and Jeff Lloyd respectively, the latter pair going on to forge successful careers in Australia.
Chad Schofield grew up in South Africa and still has family residing there, and Saturday will be his second time riding in the feature after he partnered The Conglomerate in the 2015 renewal when he was still an apprentice.
“My family came to Australia when I was about fourteen, and I have been back once, but it’s going to be really cool to get back again,” Schofield said.
“I’ve got a gran and aunt there, so I’ll be able to see them too.
“I used to go to that racecourse often when Dad was riding there. Even this particular race meeting, it’s a big deal over there, and to be able to go back and be amongst it is pretty cool.”
Schofield is due to arrive in South Africa late on Thursday, and will have a chance to test King Pelles in a track workout a day later.
A winner over 3200m, the horse is at double-figure odds for Saturday’s 2200m, Grade 1 race but Schofield has been buoyed by the reports from his trainer.
“He’s a really good stayer. His form over the staying trips is the best in the country,” he said.
“He is running over a distance that looks to be too short for him, but I know the stable has freshened him right up and kept him as sharp as they could.
“It’s a handicap, and he’s got 59 (kilos). He is a 20-1 chance, but he’s got the class.”
King Pelles is one of seven rides for Schofield on the 12-race Greyville card, while Lloyd – who recently rode his first winner at Royal Ascot during their famous June carnival – has eight mounts.
Both hoops will be striving to get one-up on their famous fathers, with neither Glyn Schofield nor Jeff Lloyd managing to win the Durban July during their illustrious careers.
