The race for the Sydney jockeys’ title took a twist at Randwick on Wednesday when premiership pacesetter Hugh Bowman was suspended for careless riding.
Stewards outed Bowman for four meetings for allowing his winning mount Stocky to shift in near the 800 metres in the Australian Turf Club Handicap when not clear of other runners.
Bowman, who is Sydney’s reigning champion jockey, mounted a spirited defence but it was not enough to sway stewards.
He was originally going to ride at Rosehill this Saturday and Canterbury next Wednesday before beginning his penalty, which would have ruled him out of the final two meetings of the season.
However, after a telephone call to his manager, Bowman successfully had the dates changed.
He will now begin his suspension after riding at Rosehill this Saturday, which will allow him to return for the final two metropolitan meetings of the term.
“We have acceded to a request to alter the dates following his consultation with his manager regarding rides,” acting chief steward Greg Rudolph said.
Bowman’s win aboard Stocky stretched his title lead to 6-1/2 but Rawiller hit back with victory aboard Photon Willie in the final race.
When stewards asked Bowman for submissions regarding his penalty he clearly had the jockeys’ title in mind.
“Just that I might be given a reprimand,” he said.
Both Bowman and Rawiller have strong books of rides at Rosehill on Saturday.
