Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards today concluded an inquiry into the ride of Ben Melham on Guess Again in Race 6, the SNS Hire BM58 Handicap, at Moe on Tuesday, 11 September 2018.
After examining the relevant betting records and considering all the evidence, Stewards accepted the explanation tendered by Mr Melham for his riding of the mare during the early stages of the event and in the early part of the straight.
However, Mr Melham plead guilty to a charge under the provisions of AR137(b), the particulars of the charge being that he failed to ride Guess Again out to the end of the race, which in the opinion of Stewards, cost his mount running fourth place.
In the circumstances, Mr Melham was fined $1000.
In assessing penalty Stewards took into account his guilty plea, his record and the fact that his actions affected the result of the race.