Jockeys fined over bizarre Gilgai Stakes finish

Ben Melham and Perth-based jockey Austin Galati have both been fined by Racing Victoria stewards following a dramatic finish to Saturday’s Group 2 Gilgai Stakes (1200m) at Flemington.

The two riders were charged under AR131(b) for failing to ride their respective mounts out to the finish, with just 0.06 lengths separating the pair at the winning post.

Melham appeared to have the $300,000 sprint safely in his keeping aboard Skybird before easing his riding effort a stride or two from the line.

Galati was also found by stewards to have stopped riding his mount before the winning post as the pair fought out an unusually tight finish.

Skybird ultimately held on to win the Gilgai Stakes by the narrowest of margins, but the actions of both jockeys attracted the attention of stewards and resulted in fines.

SKYBIRD…JUST 😱

HOW IS THE BLOOD PRESSURE AFTER THAT?! pic.twitter.com/LaEq4bmwYW

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) October 3, 2026