Melbourne Cup: Glen Boss set to miss ride on Constantinople after copping suspension

The prized ride on Melbourne Cup favourite Constantinople is up in the air after champion jockey Glen Boss was handed a careless riding suspension.

Jockey Glen Boss was suspended at Royal Randwick on Saturday. Picture: AAP

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Champion jockey Glen Boss’s dream of a fourth Melbourne Cup on favourite Constantinople has been shattered after he has hit with a six-meeting careless riding suspension at Royal Randwick yesterday.

Boss rode Attention Run in the City Tattersalls Cup when he switched inside horses at the top of the straight, causing interference to Re Edit.

He pleaded guilty to the charge before Racing NSW stewards and was given a six-meeting suspension to commence on November 3. He is not due to resume riding until November 16.

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Glen Boss fell foul of stewards at Royal Randwick on Saturday. Picture: Getty Images

This means he stands to lose the ride on $7 favourite Constantinople in the $8 million Melbourne Cup at Flemington on November 5.

Boss, who is due to partner Epsom Handicap winner Kolding in the $7.5 million Golden Eagle at Rosehill next Saturday, will appeal against the penalty.

But the Hall of Fame jockey seems resigned to having to wait another 12 months to improve on his three Melbourne Cup wins on the champion Makybe Diva (2003-04-05).

Boss told stewards he was simply not aware that Re Edit was so close when he switched course suddenly in the straight.

“I’m not a careless rider,’’ Boss said. “I would not have performed that manoeuvre if I knew Brenton was there. But I’m not blaming anyone else.’’

Constantinople is favourite for the Melbourne Cup. Picture: AAP

Boss, who won $14 million The Everest on Yes Yes Yes last week, told stewards he has winning chances in two of the richest races in Australian racing coming up with Kolding in the Golden Eagle and Constantinople in the Melbourne Cup.

“I’m not going to sit here and beg and plead but I’ve worked really hard to get myself into this position,’’ Boss said.

Racing NSW chief steward Marc Van Gestel said given the circumstances stewards determined the six-meeting ban was an appropriate penalty.

Luke Nolen rode Constantinople in the Caulfield Cup.

Originally published as Melbourne Cup: Glen Boss set to miss ride on Constantinople after copping suspension