The jockey behind the run that shocked the 2026 Melbourne Cup has copped a hefty suspension for violating a key rule in the race that stops the nation.
Ben Allen took Royal Supremacy to a lead of more than 20 lengths midway through the 3200m race, shocking onlookers and racing fans.
The $51 outsider tired in the final stretch and was passed by eventual winner Point of Law with 150 metres to go, eventually finishing fifth.
Allen was cleared by Racing Victoria stewards of accusations he had been an illegal “pacemaker” for other Ciaron Maher-trained runners, who made Melbourne Cup history by completing a trifecta as Point of Law was joined on the podium by Zahrann and Juja Kibo.
The role of a pacemaker is to attempt to get rivals from other stables to expend early energy by attempting to chase a runaway leader, who has no intention of remaining in the lead throughout the race.
However, Allen was found to have used his whip ten times before the 100m mark – double the maximum allowed under race rules – and 12 times in total.
Allen, who stewards said pleaded guilty to the breach, was hit with a whooping 16-meet suspension as a result, and was also fined $5000.
The ban won’t take effect until Friday, before which he has two rides at Flemington on Thursday’s Oaks Day, while Allen will be able to resume riding on November 20.
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A stewards statement explained Allen’s shock lead as having been planned to “ride the horse with cover behind the leader, which he expected to be Kizlyar”.
“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.”
Allen himself admitted post-race that the monster lead was “not the plan”, with Maher describing it as a “true staying test” for his successful stable.
“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 (Royal Supremacy) was very tough,” he said.
“The way he ran it, he ran a strong two-mile. Very game in defeat.”