Schofield keeping it in the family with Coal Crusher in 2025 The Hunter

One week after combining for Group 1 success in the Champions Mile at Flemington with Ceolwulf, the partnership of jockey Chad Schofield and trainer Joe Pride sets its sights on another lucrative target — the 1300-metre The Hunter.

The pair join forces with Coal Crusher, who is chasing history as the race’s first dual winner since its launch in 2019. He previously won the 2022 edition under the riding of Tyler Schiller.

Despite being eight, Coal Crusher is racing as consistently as ever, and for Schofield, success aboard him would carry added meaning.

His father, retired champion jockey Glyn Schofield, rode Coal Crusher early in his career, clocking up multiple wins, while Chad has yet to taste victory aboard the gelding.

“Dad was riding him when he was a young horse coming through the grades,” Chad Schofield said.

“I think he had at least five or six wins for him.

“I haven’t won on him yet, but we ran second in the Sydney Stakes and fourth the other day, so I know the horse well.

“He has obviously been set for The Hunter and he races very well at that track so hopefully he can run a peak race on the weekend.”

All three runs this preparation have been solid, including his tough wide-run fourth in the Russell Balding Stakes on November 1.

This time he enjoys a more favourable draw in gate four. While the race has attracted strong competition, only one Group 1 winner appears — the high-class Golden Mile, who claimed the 2022 Caulfield Guineas.

“He was incredibly brave up the straight against the A-graders and he drops back in class,” Schofield said.

“He is just a good, honest, old horse and he tries his best every start.”

A win would also give Schofield a major boost before he commences a one-month suspension from his Champions Mile ride. He will be back in the saddle on December 17.

For odds and betting options on Coal Crusher and The Hunter, visit the JHR bookmakers page.