Racing NSW stewards explain decision to clear Glyn Schofield
RACING NSW stewards controversially cleared jockey Glyn Schofield of any wrongdoing aboard Up ‘n’ Rolling when it finished second at Canterbury on April 17.
The ride attracted plenty of backlash from punters as it appeared as though Schofield didn’t give his mount every chance of winning, but stewards have released their findings with a comprehensive and detailed reasoning as to why Schofield was cleared.
Stewards released patrol footage of the ride with Chairman of Stewards Marc Van Gestel giving key commentary throughout.
Deputy Chairman of Stewards Phillip Dingwall provided the initial stewards’ report and the key findings were as follows.
1. Up ‘n’ Rolling had clear running room between runners at the 500m, but through no fault of Glyn Schofield, the horse had to be steadied due to interference caused when Red Knot shifted in slightly.
2. Stewards are satisfied that had Up ‘n’ Rolling not suffered interference and lost its running line, Up ‘n’ Rolling would have finished closer to winner Keseki Dane. Stewards made the assumption that by the way it finished the race off, it would have won the race had it been afforded its rightful run.
3. Stewards could not determine whether Schofield got his whip entangled as he had suggested. Using Hawkeye technology, it was still unable to be determined and stewards were satisfied with the evidence provided by Schofield.
It should also be noted that there was no irregular betting activity on the favourite which closed into $2.70 after getting out to $3.30.
Stewards suggested to Schofield that there have been several rides of his in New South Wales that have come under scrutiny and he was reminded to ensure the public has confidence that he riding his mounts in a manner not subject to inquiry.
Twitter backlash over the verdict
Punters left bewildered by @RNSWStewards with @SchofieldGlyn cleared for his ride on Up ‘N’ Rolling pic.twitter.com/XCPG9kcOFL
— Justracing.com.au (@justracingcomau) May 25, 2017
The result garnered more shock than anything else as many punters believed Schofield would get time for the ride.
We thought the ride was a touch suspect at first glance, but there’s no doubting it did suffer interference at some stage during the race. Having said that, a 4kg claiming apprentice could have given it a better ride.
Great way of protecting punters !!!! Glyn Schofield cleared of doing anything wrong on his ride on Up N Rolling #wow
— Chris Camilleri (@chrisbetsmart) May 25, 2017
But, we don’t want to say anything defamatory towards Schofield, who for the most part has been a trustworthy rider in Sydney.
Will be interesting if Glyn Schofield now takes legal action against larger names on Twitter etc etc for defamation
— TheProfits.com.au (@TheProfitsComAu) May 25, 2017
Racing NSW patrol footage
What do you think about the ride? There are cases for both sides of the argument, but we believe Schofield should feel very relieved with the result.