Jockey banned over ride that shocked the Melbourne Cup

The jockey who stunned the Melbourne Cup before finishing fifth in Tuesday’s great race has copped a fine and suspension for his bold ride.

Ben Allen was aboard Royal Supremacy ($51) and took his mount to the front of the field, before shooting out to an astonishing lead midway through the 3200m race.

At one point he led the field by 20 lengths, while punters and commentators watched on in stunned disbelief at what was unfolding.

Ultimately, Royal Supremacy ran out of gas and was swamped late, with Ciaron Maher stablemates Point Of Law, Zahrann, and Juja Kibo claiming the trifecta.

Allen and Royal Supremacy did well to finish fifth, also behind Jospeh O’Brien galloper Sons And Lovers.

But Racing Victoria took exception to Allen’s ride, and in particular his whip use throughout the race.

Stewards found Allen had whipped Royal Supremacy too many times – a total of 10 times prior to the final 100m and 12 times in total.

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Allen has been hit with a $5000 fine and a 16-race suspension, which will begin on Friday and end on November 20.

It means he will be able to ride at Flemington again on Thursday, where he has two rides for the day but none in the Crown Oaks (2500m).

Stewards also probed Allen on his riding tactics, and he denied it was a pre-race plan to lead by such a margin.

“Allen explained that the primary plan was to ride the horse with cover behind the leader, which he expected to be Kizlyar,” a post-race stewards statement said.

“When Kizlyar did not muster speed as he expected, rather than restrain his mount, he allowed the horse to stride forward and lead.

“Allen added that previously Royal Supremacy raced successfully when leading at Eagle Farm on 13 June 2026, so he was not concerned when he was unable to obtain cover.

“Allen added that he expressed surprise at how far in front he was, as he felt the sectionals he set were not quick.”

Some might suggest Allen’s puzzling tactic was designed to benefit Maher’s other runners.

But speaking after the race, Allen himself said it was “not the plan”.

“I was surprised when I looked back how far off they were as I didn’t think we’d gone that sort of gallop, but he was very tough,” the jockey said.

“The way he ran it, he ran a strong two-mile. Very game in defeat.”