Jarrad Noske aboard Rock Magic (Image: Racing Photos)
Perth-based jockey Jarrad Noske will miss an opportunity to ride his first Group 1 winner while forced to stay in Western Australia rather than riding in the William Reid Stakes at The Valley on Friday night.
Noske has ridden Rock Magic for most of his career since heading west and has accompanied him when the duo has travelled to Melbourne.
"It's obviously unfortunate, he's my favourite horse and I'd love to be riding him in the William Reid," Noske said.
"It's even more disappointing as he's working superbly at home and we know he can match it with the best over east as we've seen previously."
Noske's travel options were restricted when Racing Victoria provided an update on COVID-19 on March 16.
"When the update was provided, we learnt that I'd either have to drive to Melbourne or have my own private/charter flight, which was unrealistic," he said.
"We made the decision I'd stay home and book Michael Dee who rode him in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1200m) in 2018."
Noske will return to the saddle on Wednesday at Ascot having been forced to take the weekend off after being injured at trackwork on Saturday morning.