Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Jamie Melham has been handed a 30-meeting suspension after a careless riding incident that left fellow rider Blake Shinn with a broken leg. The ban, imposed by stewards at Flemington, will begin after Melham rides at Caulfield on Saturday, with her return to the saddle scheduled for December 18.
Melham, 29, became only the second female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup when she guided Half Yours to victory earlier this month. She also made history as the first woman to complete the 'Cups Double', having won the Caulfield Cup on the same horse in his previous start.
The incident occurred in a later race on the Flemington card when Melham's mount Fancify shifted out, tightening the space for Shinn's horse She's Got Pizzazz. Shinn was dislodged and fell heavily, suffering a suspected broken leg, and was reportedly trampled by following horses. He has since undergone surgery on his left leg.
Stewards charged Melham with careless riding, to which she pleaded guilty. The inquiry was adjourned until Shinn was available for interview. Melham's suspension will keep her out of competition for 30 race meetings, a significant penalty for the high-profile jockey.
