Paul Shailer hits back at criticism to scratch Winx Guineas favourite Mister Bianco

Trainer Paul Shailer insists scratching favourite Mister Bianco from the Group 3 Winx Guineas was the only option following criticism he should have found a replacement rider.

Trainer Paul Shailer says he scratched Mister Bianco from the Winx Guineas because there were a lack of senior jockeys available. Pictures: Trackside Photography

Paul Shailer has hit back at criticism of his decision to scratch Mister Bianco from last weekend’s Group 3 Winx Guineas (1600m), with the Gold Coast trainer insisting there were no suitable jockeys to ride the temperamental gelding.

Shailer refuted suggestions that there were senior riders available to steer Mister Bianco in the Winx Guineas following a back injury to Ryan Maloney in an earlier race at the Sunshine Coast last Saturday, adding that he was “comfortable” with the decision.

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Racenet columnist Richard Callander wrote this week that the late scratching had set a “dangerous precedent” in an industry that relied heavily on wagering turnover.

However, Shailer insisted he had no option but to scratch Mister Bianco given the lack of experienced jockeys available on the day.

The gelding’s regular riders Michael Rodd (broken hand) and Andrew Mallyon (holidays) were unavailable to ride a horse that needed a jockey with “quiet hands”.

The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained The Three Hundred ended up taking out the Winx Guineas, thanks to a superb ride from in-form hoop Angela Jones.

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“He was the favourite in a $300,000 race so obviously we had every intention of running the horse,” Shailer said.

After learning of Maloney’s injury, Shailer approached stewards, who told him there were only three jockeys available to ride Mister Bianco – apprentice Corey Sutherland, Adam Sewell and Scott Sheargold.

Three hundred reasons to cheer! 🥳

The Three Hundred leads all the way in the G3 Winx Guineas at @SCTurfClub!

Ange Jones with a winning double.@[e-mail]/LhRJtJ2mZu

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) July 5, 2025

“Corey has ridden for me before and I’ve got no problem with him,” Shailer said.

“He’s an apprentice who’s just been granted his metropolitan licence so I certainly didn’t think he’d be a suitable replacement.

“I say this with the utmost respect but these are the facts – Adam Sewell hasn’t ridden a winner in his last 50 rides and he’s only had one metropolitan ride in his last 50 rides.

“Scott has ridden two winners in his last 50 rides – one at Dalby and one at Kilcoy.

“He’s had one metropolitan ride in his last 50, being at the Sunshine Coast on a Saturday on a horse that was 200-1.

“I’ve got nothing against these jockeys, I’m sure they’re great human beings.

“But when they’ve got 100 rides between them and they’ve ridden two winners and they’re riding the favourite in a $300,000 race on a horse that’s been a work in progress and has its vices, I felt it wouldn’t be fair to the punters or my connections that the horse goes around.

“My connections and myself were all in agreement that it was best for the horse’s welfare and benefit that we scratch and save him for another day.

“Whether that’s our right or not, people have their views on it and they’re entitled to that, but we’re entitled to our views on it.”

Kyle Wilson-Taylor will ride Mister Bianco on Saturday when the gelding chases his fourth straight victory, in a 3YO Handicap over 1350m at Doomben, before going for a spell.

Originally published as Paul Shailer hits back at criticism to scratch Winx Guineas favourite Mister Bianco