Rider Frankie Dettori. Photo / AP
Damien Oliver has been replaced by Frankie Dettori as the rider of highly fancied Almandin in the Melbourne Cup after being unsuccessful in his appeal against an improper riding charge.
Owner Lloyd Williams made the announcement that the England-based rider would fly to Australia for the prized mount only minutes
after the RAD Board dismissed Oliver's appeal.
Oliver was hit with a 20-meeting penalty for improper riding in the Cox Plate last Saturday, with Racing Victoria stewards taking a dim view of his actions to push Royal Symphony to the fence and prior to the winning post for the first time. Oliver's suspension starts immediately and expires on November 15, ruling him out of the entire Flemington Carnival, reports Racing.com.
The champion jockey has the option of taking the matter to VCAT but suggested it was unlikely when speaking to the media following his appeal. "I'm obviously disappointed in the result today to miss the Spring Carnival but I accept the board's decision," Oliver said.
"Myself being a competitive person is what has made me be able to sustain a long successful career but the board felt I have overstepped this today, which I accept.
