A jockey who won a staggering £1 million on a 30-1 outsider has been banned and fined. However, he has taken to social media to defend his innocence.
Controversial Victory
Ben Melham's incredible win on Griff in the Neds Caulfield Guineas in Australia was overshadowed by a questionable move in the closing stages of the race. Melham's horse veered to the right, potentially hampering the runner-up.
Letting the Result Stand
After reviewing the incident, stewards decided to let the result stand. However, they did ban Melham for careless riding and imposed a fine for overuse of the whip.
An Unusual Defense
Melham argued that he did everything in his power to correct his horse, but an unexpected incident spooked the 500kg animal. To support his claim, Melham posted a photo online of the incident.
The Culprit
The photo showed a person standing on a ladder near the finish line. Melham claimed that his horse would not have veered if the person had not been there. The jockey also expressed concern for the safety of both himself and his horse.
Punter Outrage
Punters on social media expressed their sympathy for Melham, believing that he was unfairly penalized. Many questioned the severity of the ban and fine, considering the circumstances.
Not Guilty Plea
Melham pleaded not guilty to the charge of careless riding. However, his ban is scheduled to begin on October 22 and last for eight days.
Similar Controversy
Earlier in the week, another high-profile jockey, Ryan Moore, faced a ban for his actions during a race at Newmarket. Punters felt that Moore's ban was also unwarranted.
Source: The Sun
