Jamie Melham, who became only the second woman to win the famous race, has been suspended for a month for careless riding in a race later on the Flemington card
12:30, 12 Nov 2025
Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Jamie Melhan has been slapped with a massive ban over an incident in which a rival rider suffered a broken leg. Melham, 29, became the second female jockey in history to capture the ‘race that stops a nation’ at Flemington when she defeated JP McManus-owned opponent Goodie Two Shoes on local horse Half Yours.
Her triumph came ten years after Michelle Payne won the race on 100-1 chance Prince Of Penzance. Melham also became the first woman to complete the ‘Cups Double’ having won the Caulfield Cup for the first time on Half Yours on his previous start.
Two races later on the Flemington card champion jockey Blake Shinn was taken to hospital with a suspected broken leg after a heavy fall. Shinn was aboard She’s Got Pizzazz when the pair found themselves short of room with a furlong to run.
He was dislodged, fell to the ground and appeared to have been trampled by following horses as he lay on the track. Shinn has since undergone surgery on his left leg.
Stewards opened an inquiry into the incident but adjourned a hearing until Shinn was available for interview.
Melham was charged with careless riding and pleaded guilty to the offence after her mount Fancify shifted out when not sufficiently clear of She's Got Pizzazz, who stumbled after being tightened for room between horses and bumped.
She was suspended for 30 meetings, which will start after she rides at Caulfield on Saturday. She will be free to ride again from December 18.