Hugh Bowman is set to miss three of the biggest spring race meetings after being suspended for improper riding.
Bowman is expected to lodge an appeal against a 20-meeting ban over his ride on Light Up Manhattan in the $750,000 Caulfield Classic on Saturday.
The ban rules him out of the Cox Plate, Victoria Derby and Melbourne Cup meetings.
Bowman pleaded not guilty but stewards ruled there was a “level of intent” in his actions which they claimed placed fellow jockeys Glen Boss and Ben Melham in danger.
He said it was the first time he had been charged with improper riding during a decorated career.
Asked if he would appeal the suspension, Bowman said: “I would think so.”
Stewards found Bowman put Glen Boss on Magicool under unnecessary pressure, forcing him to the rail at the 1400m which in turn caused interference to Ben Melham on Home Run Hero.
Bowman can return on VRC Oaks day at Flemington on November 6.
He is the second jockey to be found guilty of improper riding in Melbourne this season after Chad Schofield was suspended for a month at Mornington last month.
