Rising jockey Zac Lloyd has once again found himself in the hot seat after copping a five-meeting suspension for careless riding at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, triggering a heated exchange with chief steward Steve Railton.
Lloyd, who will now miss the prestigious Group 1 Tancred Stakes, meeting was charged with shifting in aboard Willaidow in the early stages of the Group 2 Ajax Stakes, causing interference to Pericles and Just Fine.
The young rider pleaded guilty but was quick to argue the charge’s specifics, insisting that Pericles had moved away from him rather than him causing interference.
Ajax Stakes race replay
“This is every week,” Lloyd vented in frustration, as Railton reminded him that such debates should be reserved for a not-guilty plea.
The two-time Sydney champion apprentice was urged to give sufficient clearance in future rides to avoid repeated run-ins with the stewards.
Meanwhile, apprentice Bailey Wheeler also endured a tough day at Rosehill, missing out on his maiden Group 1 opportunity after failing to make weight on multiple rides.
Forced to forgo his Coolmore Classic booking aboard Elettrica, Wheeler not only lost his chance on the big stage but also copped a $500 fine for the blunder.
With Lloyd now sidelined until April 3, his absence will be felt as the Sydney Autumn Carnival heats up, while Wheeler will need to reassess his weight management as he chases a breakthrough moment in the top grade.
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