Melham loses appeal and misses Moonee Valley Saturday

Brad Waters - Monday Sep 4

Top jockey Ben Melham has lost his appeal against a careless riding suspension he incurred at Sandown last Wednesday.

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NO JOY: Ben Melham lost his appeal against a careless riding suspension on Monday. Photo: Darryl Sherer

Melham was suspended for seven meetings after he pleaded guilty causing interference aboard Miss Vixen at the 100m of the Moorookyle Park Handicap (1000m).

Interestingly, Melham applied for, and was granted, leave to change his plea from guilty to not guilty at the start of Monday's Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board hearing.

However, the RAD Board panel headed by Judge Bowman rejected Melham's appeals against both the conviction and severity of the penalty.

The RAD Board decision means Melham will miss Saturday's Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes meeting at Moonee Valley.

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