Carnival over for MelhamLEADING jockey Ben Melham today failed in his appeal against a two-month suspension.
The Racing Appeals & Disciplinary Board dismissed the appeal by Melham, who will now miss all the spring carnival.
Racing Victoria stewards charged Melham with failing to take all reasonable and permissible measure to obtain best possible placing on Numen Lumen at Mornington on September 19.
Numen Lumen, the $2.15 favourite finished third, beaten a little more than one length.
RAD Board chairman Judge Russell Lewis rejected all Melham's explanations why he did not improve his position from between the 800 and 600 metres and also at the entrance to the straight.
Judge Lewis described as "fanciful" Melham's explanation that the horse was "panicky" and he had "safety concerns".
Allan Reardon, the chief steward at Mornington, would have won had Melham taken his opportunities.
Didnt get long enough, the gambling scum.
