Claridge Premiership Bid Fades

Tuesday, 25 May 2010 03:09

Ben Claridge has received his fifth suspension since November to all but extinguish his hopes of claiming a first Adelaide Jockeys’ Premiership.

Riding Dubai Dawn in the Parmalat Handicap (1800m) at Morphettville on Saturday, Claridge shifted in when insufficiently clear of Bellamo and caused interference to that runner.

Claridge was found guilty of careless riding and was suspended for five meetings with his ban expiring on June 9.

Flying out of the blocks, Claridge lead the Adelaide Jockeys’ Premiership for several weeks and as of the start of January, he was still at the top of the table with Libby Hopwood and Chad Lever.

However his season has been far from symmetrical with an ill-disciplined second half of the season arguably costing Claridge of top spot.

Since November last year he has received five suspensions – one served concurrently – ensuring he has missed 17 provincial and metropolitan meetings.

His latest suspension came only a week after returning from another five meeting careless riding ban imposed on him by stewards at Morphettville on May 2.

With 26 wins for the 2009/10 season as of January 12, Claridge has only added another seven wins to that tally to move to 33.

Claridge is now eight wins behind premiership leader Chad Lever who is on 41.

2009/10 Adelaide Jockeys' Premiership

At January 12

Currently

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