Superstar jockey James McDonald has been suspended for eight meetings after he was handed a ban for "careless riding" on Oaks Day.
McDonald won two out of the first three races at Flemington, steering home Matron Bullwinkel ($4.60) and odds-on favourite Roots ($1.65) for an early double.
But news broke prior to the running of the Oaks that the 30-year-old would be rubbed out for eight meetings, starting after this Saturday's Champions Day, where he will ride both Anamoe and Nature Strip.
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BREAKING: James McDonald has been suspended for 8 race meetings, starting midnight Saturday 5th November & back on Sunday 13th November. More soon on @Racing.
— Racing.com (@Racing) November 3, 2022
Racing Victoria stewards hit the Kiwi star with a ban for careless riding during his winning run with Roots, after hampering Rocha Clock and Perfect World on his inside.
The Chris Waller-trained four-year-old mare has won three of her four starts this campaign and Waller initially praised McDonald for his work after the race.
“It was a well-deserved win, as she didn’t get much luck last start, but she’s racing consistently well," he said.
“It was a nice ride from James, as we get used to seeing, and that was a big help as well.”
Meanwhile, McDonald went without a ride in Tuesday's Melbourne Cup, with highly-fancied overseas runner Loft ruled out just days before the $8 million feature.
