Ben Melham faces an inquiry into his second placed ride on Montgomery at Moonee Valley on Monday.
Stewards quizzed Melham after the Colin and Cindy Alderson-trained gelding was beaten 1-1/4 lengths finishing second to in the CFMEU-FFTS Hcp (3000m).
Stewards have not charged Melham and adjourned the inquiry to a date to be fixed.
Montgomery was a dual Moonee Valley winner over 3000 metres in January and started the $2.40 favourite.
Melham, who has ridden Montgomery at four of his past five starts, asked stewards to not to adjourn the case as he wanted the matter resolved on Monday without having his name potentially tainted in the media.
It was the second time this year Melham has been investigated over a race ride.
On New Year’s Day his riding tactics on the David Hayes-trained Cross Street were queried but after an adjournment he was not charged.
Melham said he “copped a lot of flak” while the Flemington inquiry ran its course and feared his name would be smeared again by another adjournment.
He said Montgomery was unlucky but he chose to ride for luck rather than “end up seven wide” with no chance.
Meanwhile Brad Rawiller was suspended for 11 meetings for careless riding on Oforawesome, who finished second to Image Of Darkness in the CBUS Hcp (1600m).
Rawiller starts his suspension at midnight on Monday and can ride again on March 25.
AAP TURF
