Jamie Melham’s brilliant spring will end on a sour note after the star jockey received a month-long suspension for her role in the Melbourne Cup Day race fall in which Blake Shinn broke his leg.
Melham pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding in the G3 HKJC Stakes, with stewards finding that she permitted her mount Fancify to shift out when not clear of She’s Got Pizzazz near the 200m.
She’s Got Pizzazz clipped heels and stumbled, sending Shinn crashing to the turf.
The inquiry was adjourned on the day as Shinn was sent to hospital.
The 30-day suspension is consistent with other incidents that have resulted in falls. The penalty also took into account Melham’s good record.
The Melbourne Cup-winning jockey will ride at Caulfield on Saturday – she partners Evaporate in the G1 C.F. Orr Stakes – before spending four weeks on the sidelines. She can return to riding on 18 December, ruling out any G1 opportunities in Perth or Hong Kong.
