Accused jockey Ben Melham and partner to face Victorian Racing Tribunal this month

The case involving jockey Ben Melham and co-accused partner Kaarlie Dales on alleged betting-related activity has rounded up some existing cases to move ahead at the Victorian Racing Tribunal.

Proceedings against Ben Melham on alleged betting-related activity have been fast-tracked to start this month.

The case involving the Group 1-winning jockey and his co-accused partner Kaarlie Dales is scheduled to start with a directions hearing at the Victorian Racing Tribunal on May 19.

The matter will be heard ahead of some existing cases, including those from older cases involving Richard Laming, Peter Gelagotis and Shawn Mathrick.

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Melham and Dales were charged on Monday after a long-running investigation, including interviews last September.

Melham intends to contest seven charges relating to alleged betting breaches.

One of those charges relates to providing false and or misleading evidence during an interview with Racing Victoria stewards last year.

Ben Melham returns to scale after riding Orleans Rock to victory at Sandown.

Dales is also charged with providing false or misleading evidence to stewards.

RV has chosen not to enforce stand down provisions, allowing Melham to keep riding until his case is heard by the Victorian Racing Tribunal.

Melham was due to take two mounts on Friday night at Pakenham and three more at Sandown on Saturday.

He rode Orleans Rock, one of the horses named in the charges against him, to victory at Sandown on Wednesday.

Melham will continue to be monitored by RV stewards, who have watched the jockey closely since he was first questioned in September over allegations he placed bets totalling in excess of $21,000.

Under the Australian rules of racing, a jockey found guilty of betting on or having an interest in bets on horses he or she then rides in is liable to a mandatory disqualification of “not less than 2 years” unless special circumstances exist.

Ben Melham and Orleans Rock make easy work of their rivals midweek.

The penalties relating to the relevant rule were increased in March 2013, after Damien Oliver received a 10-month suspension for betting $10,000 on winning horse Miss Octopussy.

Oliver rode Europa Point into sixth place in the same race at Moonee Valley.

James McDonald avoided a two-year ban in 2016 and was instead suspended for 18 months for being party to a $1000 bet on a winning horse he rode. His penalty was reduced for his co-operation with the inquiry and a guilty plea.

Melham and Dales have been scheduled to appear via telephone before Judge John Bowman on May 19.

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