Jockey Sam Payne has dodged suspension despite being found guilty of misconduct in a bizarre incident at the Murray Bridge jumpouts.
Earlier this month, Payne, in a two-horse jumpout over 600m, snatched the whip from rival jockey Maggie Collett and used it on his own horse.
Collett, caught off guard, was momentarily unbalanced but managed to continue riding and win the trial.
Stewards handed the 31-year-old a two-week suspension but suspended the sentence for two years, also fining him $1000.
Despite this incident, Payne is enjoying a successful season, with 33 wins, including three metropolitan victories in the past fortnight.
