Sydney jockeys Chad Schofield and Zac Lloyd will swap their usual jockey room camaraderie for competition this weekend as they both prepare to ride in South Africa’s premier race, the Durban July.
The cousins are set to compete in the prestigious 2200m event, with Schofield taking the reins for Gareth van Zyl aboard King Pelles, while Lloyd will partner Justin Snaith’s charge, Regulation.
“It will be kind of funny sitting with him in the rooms in South Africa,” Schofield remarked. “Obviously, we do it here every week, but to be over there together is sentimental.”
Their international excursion is not entirely unexpected, given their backgrounds. Both Schofield and Lloyd are sons of former prominent South African jockeys, Glyn Schofield and Jeff Lloyd respectively, who both enjoyed successful careers in Australia.
Chad Schofield spent his formative years in South Africa and maintains family ties there. This will mark his second appearance in the Durban July, having previously ridden The Conglomerate in the 2015 renewal when he was an apprentice.
“My family came to Australia when I was about fourteen, and I have been back once, but it’s going to be really cool to get back again,” Schofield shared. “I’ve got a gran and aunt there, so I’ll be able to see them too. I used to go to that racecourse often when Dad was riding there. Even this particular race meeting, it’s a big deal over there, and to be able to go back and be amongst it is pretty cool.”
Schofield is scheduled to land in South Africa on Thursday evening, with an opportunity to trial King Pelles in a track workout the following day.
King Pelles, a proven stayer who has won over 3200m, is currently offered at double-figure odds for the Grade 1 2200m race. However, Schofield has been encouraged by his trainer’s positive reports.
“He’s a really good stayer. His form over the staying trips is the best in the country,” Schofield stated. “He is running over a distance that looks to be too short for him, but I know the stable has freshened him right up and kept him as sharp as they could. It’s a handicap, and he’s got 59 (kilos). He is a 20-1 chance, but he’s got the class.”
King Pelles is one of seven mounts for Schofield on the 12-race card at Greyville. Lloyd, who recently secured his first win at Royal Ascot during their renowned June carnival, has eight rides.
Both jockeys will be aiming to outperform their fathers, as neither Glyn Schofield nor Jeff Lloyd managed to claim victory in the Durban July during their distinguished racing careers. For those interested in the action, check out the latest Australian betting sites.
