Chad Schofield cops six meeting careless riding ban at Royal Randwick

In-form rider Chad Schofield will miss the chance to partner two of his biggest Autumn Carnival stars on Saturday week.

Chad Schofield won’t get the chance to pilot Bel Merci first-up. Picture: Jeremy Ng-Getty Images

Chad Schofield will miss the chance to pilot Golden Slipper fancy Bel Merci and smart colt Public Attention after picking up a careless riding ban in the final event on the program at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Schofield was rubbed out for six meetings for his role in an incident in the Mostyn Copper Benchmark 78 Handicap (1200m).

The Cox Plate-winning hoop allowed Bundeena to shift in, in the home straight when not clear of Winston Hills, which caused a domino effect to runners to his inside.

Schofield agreed that he should have reacted quicker when Bundeena “abruptly shifted in”.

Stewards were forced to hand down a costly ban that will see Schofield suspended from Sunday, February 16 to February 26th.

One for the lovers! Romeo's Choice wins the last at Randwick for @tomo_sherry and @littracing 💕@aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/nAV0VSGKoM

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) February 8, 2025

It will force Schofield to forgo his ride aboard Gimcrack Stakes winner Bel Merci in the Group 2 Silver Slipper Stakes and Public Attention in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes on February 22.

Schofield elected to take the suspension after next Saturday as he prepares to reconnect with star galloper Ceolwulf in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes.

READ: Striking colt grabs Attention for Guineas tilt

Meanwhile, Tom Sherry was also hit with a careless riding ban that will begin on Monday and end of February 21.

Sherry will miss next week’s Apollo Stakes meeting after he was found to cause interference in the early stages race four while riding Emmadella.

He shifted in around the 1400m mark when insufficiently clear of the James McDonald-ridden Invader Zim.

Originally published as Chad Schofield cops six meeting careless riding ban at Royal Randwick