Damian Oliver will appeal against a 20-meeting suspension that shapes to erase the bulk of his spring carnival.
Oliver’s manager Mark Van Triet confirmed to G1X.com.au that the Hall Of Fame jockey will tomorrow lodge an appeal against a charge of reckless riding that will see him out until Melbourne Cup day. (image Racing.com) 

The appeal to the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board could be heard as early as Friday, but most likely next Monday.
The 44-year-old will miss the ride on French horse Vadamos in the $3 million Cox Plate; English in the $1 million Manikato Stakes (1200m) and Highlad in the $1.5 million Victoria Derby on the opening day of the VRC Spring Carnival.
As well, Oliver will miss the Geelong and Bendigo Cup meetings and he could have been expected to command rides in all races on Manikato Stakes night, Cox Plate and Derby Day.
It is the first time a jockey in Victoria has been charged with reckless riding since Luke Nolen was charged with the offence in August 2006. Nolen was suspended for 31 days.
Oliver made no comment to Racing Victoria chief steward Terry Bailey when told that he had been suspended for 20 meetings.
Earlier, Oliver, in the stewards’ room, told stewards he did not believe the incident warranted a reckless riding charge.
When asked for a plea, Oliver told stewards he would not be pleading guilty to reckless riding.

“I have never in nearly 30 years as a jockey ever been questioned in regard to reckless riding,” Oliver said.
“I don’t believe this is reckless. I’m sure it is not reckless.
“Dean Yendall was never in danger. Yes, I pushed him out, I acknowledge that, but I was never near his heels and he was never in danger.”

Bailey said Oliver showed “clear intent” by turning the head of his horse, Blue Sapphire Stakes winner Flying Artie out to the point where he made heavy contact with Ken’s Dream, severely hampering it and causing Yendall to be unbalanced.
He said Oliver’s intentional actions resulted in putting the safety of Ken’s Dream and Yendall at “high risk”.

Oliver said he would have been “negligent” if he stayed where he was and “let the two stablemates box me in on a short-priced favourite".

He said he expected Blake Shinn, riding Dalradian, who came across from a wide draw to go to the fence, but Shinn didn’t and this caught him by surprise.

Oliver said Yendall had acknowledged in his evidence to stewards that he was doing his best to hold Flying Artie in a pocket.

Bailey said the first priority of stewards is to ensure the safety of jockey and horse. 

G1x.com.au