Schofield gains from Noonan's misfortune

Star apprentice Jake Noonan’s misfortune provided Chad Schofield with a bonus winner when he partnered Hidden Message to victory in today’s Late Starter Membership Handicap at Moonee Valley.

With Noonan nursing a black and closed eye, per courtesy of a track accident, trainer Danny O’Brien said Schofield was an obvious choice to replace him and the 19-year-old didn’t disappoint.

The win was Hidden Message's fourth career victory, and third this preparation, and the Pentire-mare closed to within a few thousand dollars of passing $100,000 in stake earnings.

Schofield produced a gun run to land Hidden Message, $8.50, a three-quarter length winner, from Frank The Ripper, $41, which battled on well after leading.

Street Eclipse, $7, was a short-half head away third while Te Karaka, backed from $4 to $3.50 favourite, was never in contention in finishing fifth.

O’Brien said Schofield engineered himself into a winning position by the first turn and the mare travelled sweetly for him.

“Katelyn (Mallyon) is the best apprentice, but she is not riding. Chad rides very well,” he said.

Noonan was left with a closed eye after a horse threw its head back and collected him.

“I call it a fighter’s eye,” father Tony said.

“It was still closed today. X-rays show no break, but he’ll probably be out until next Saturday.”

Story by Adrian Dunn, to view full Racing Network story click here

Photo by Bruno Cannatelli, to view Bruno's website click here