The enthralling Sydney riding premiership battle between Hugh Bowman and Nash Rawiller took another twist yesterday with Bowman suspended by the stewards for four meetings for careless riding.

Hugh Bowman has been suspended for four meetings but is still the favourite to win the Sydney Riding Premiership. Photo by: Daniel Costello

Bowman extended his title lead over Rawiller to six and a half wins with his victory on Stocky in the Australian Turf Club Handicap (1100m) but was charged by the stewards for allowing the two-year-old to shift out with 800 metres left to run.

Bowman was suspended for four city and provincial meetings and originally looked as though he would miss two metropolitan meetings.

However, some clever scheduling means that he will be able to ride at Rosehill on Saturday before starting his suspension on Sunday, which will see him miss only one metropolitan meeting.

The suspension opens for the door for Rawiller who cut Bowman’s lead to five and a half wins after his victory on Photon Willie in the final race of the day.

Rawiller has a clear advantage over Bowman at Rosehill on Saturday as he has rides in seven of the eight races while Bowman has a mount in only four.

Rawiller’s book of rides features a number of winning chances including classy colt Bull Point in the Forum Group Sprint (1200m), Relaxed and Happy in the Primo Smallgoods Handicap (1400m), Bold Glance in the Winter Stakes (1400m) and Charing Cross in the penultimate race of the day.

Bowman has the opportunity to extend his lead with his rides on Hendricus in the Woolworths Handicap (1500m), Single Style in the 2GB Handicap (1350m), Kontiki Park in the Winter Stakes and Kenny’s World in the Alpha Flight Services Handicap (1100m).

Both Bowman and Rawiller are aiming to win their third Sydney riding premierships.