Melham suspended for 10 meetings

Jockey Ben Melham has been suspended for 10 meetings by stewards at Caulfield after being found guilty of careless riding.

The stewards ruled Melham had caused interference as he made his winning run on Thy at the 200m mark in the Legacy Badge Appeal Handicap, causing Damien Thornton to check severely on Let’s Be Happy.

Chief steward Terry Bailey said the interference had bordered on medium grade but had “given the benefit of doubt to the batsman” and ruled it low grade.

But a record which includes four careless riding suspensions this year and Melham’s not guilty plea meant the stewards had to impose a severe penalty.

Melham’s suspension begins immediately.

He can resume riding at the Sandown meeting on August 29.