Jockey Ben Allen copping 16-meet ban after whip breach at Melbourne Cup
Melbourne Cup jockey Ben Allen faces a 16-meeting suspension and $5,000 fine after breaching whip rules aboard Royal Supremacy.
Allen rode Royal Supremacy to fifth place at Flemington on Tuesday, but used the whip 10 times before the final 100 metres and 12 times in total, breaching strict riding regulations. Ben Allen told stewards he had planned to ride with cover but let the horse lead by as much as 20 lengths when the expected pacesetter Kizlyar did not go as quick.
Allen said he was surprised at how far clear his mount was. Royal Supremacy was beaten by stablemate Point Of Law, who won the Cup under jockey Ethan Brown.
Trainer Ciaron Maher saddled the first three finishers and five of the top six, a first in the race's 166-year history. Allen will be free to ride on Oaks Day on Thursday before the ban begins Friday.
- 16 meetings
- Suspension length
- $5,000
- Fine amount
- Point Of Law
- Winning horse
Why it mattersWhip rules exist to protect horse welfare; stewards enforce them strictly to maintain racing integrity and public trust.
AustraliaThis is one of Australia's biggest racing events; the ban affects betting markets and the jockey's income during peak racing season.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
