Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Jamie Melham has been handed a 30-race meeting suspension following an incident on Cup day that resulted in fellow jockey Blake Shinn suffering a broken leg. The decision came after Melham pleaded guilty to charges of careless riding during a race at Flemington.
The announcement comes as Melham, who recently made history by becoming the second female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup, faces a setback in her burgeoning career. Her victory aboard Half Yours not only secured her a place in the annals of racing history but also marked her as the first female jockey to clinch both the Melbourne and Caulfield Cups.
The Incident and Its Aftermath
On the day of the Melbourne Cup, Melham was riding Fancify in the Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes when the incident occurred. As the race neared its conclusion, Fancify drifted out, causing She’s Got Pizzazz, ridden by Blake Shinn, to stumble and fall. Shinn was promptly treated on the track and later transported to the hospital, where doctors confirmed he had sustained fractures to the tibia and fibula in his left leg.
Shinn, who has a storied career including a Melbourne Cup win in 2008 on Viewed, is expected to face a lengthy recovery period. The veterinary examination post-race revealed that She’s Got Pizzazz was lame in the off-foreleg, adding further complications to the incident.
Stewards’ Report and Suspension Details
Following an inquiry, Racing Victoria stewards released a detailed report on Tuesday. The report stated,
“Rider Jamie Melham (Fancify) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under the provisions of AR 131 (a), in that near the 200m, she permitted her mount to shift out when not sufficiently clear of She’s Got Pizzazz that was bumped and stumbled, resulting in rider Blake Shinn being dislodged.”
Melham’s suspension is set to commence on Sunday, November 16, 2025, and will conclude on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. The stewards took into account her guilty plea, her previously unblemished riding record, the fact that the race was a Group 3 event, and the severity of the incident in determining the penalty.
Implications and Future Prospects
Despite the suspension, Melham will fulfill her existing commitments at Caulfield this weekend, including riding Pictor in the Sandown Guineas, before her ban begins. She is expected to return to racing on December 18, 2025.
This development follows a significant milestone in Melham’s career, and while the suspension is a setback, her achievements have already cemented her status in the racing community. The incident highlights the inherent risks in horse racing and the importance of maintaining safety standards to protect both jockeys and horses.
Meanwhile, Blake Shinn’s recovery will be closely monitored, with the racing community offering support during his rehabilitation. His absence from the track will be felt, given his experience and contributions to the sport.
The move represents a reminder of the delicate balance in competitive racing, where skill and caution must go hand in hand. As Melham prepares to serve her suspension, the racing world will watch closely to see how she bounces back from this challenge.
