Top Australian jockey Tyler Schiller incurred a penalty from stewards at Rosehill on Saturday for his absence during the pre-race parade of the Maurice McCarten Stakes (1100m) due to being asleep in the jockeys' quarters.

Schiller, who did not participate in the preceding race, unintentionally dozed off in the resting area, leaving the connections of Rich Fortune puzzled when their designated rider failed to appear before the race.

Expressing his explanation to stewards, Schiller stated, "I merely intended to take a moment to relax, but I unexpectedly fell asleep. It's been an exhausting week."

An official roused Schiller five minutes prior to the race's commencement.

Despite significant backing, with odds shortening from $26 to $7.50, Rich Fortune's performance faltered as they arrived late at the barriers and ultimately finished behind the field in the sprint event, won by Godolphin's Red Card.

Acting chief steward Tom Moxon questioned Schiller during the inquiry regarding the incident's impact on his professionalism, stating, "You're participating on a significant race day, in a Group 3 event, where the connections have engaged a rider with Group 1 accolades, and yet, moments before the race, you are found fast asleep. This does not reflect positively on your professionalism."

Schiller pleaded guilty to the charge of "failing to present himself in the mounting yard in a timely manner," leading to a fine of $500 imposed by the stewards.

Just the previous week, Schiller celebrated his second career Group 1 victory by guiding Lady Laguna to triumph in the Canterbury Stakes (1300m).