Nolen’s bump penalty reduced on appeal

The Victorian Racing Tribunal has cut Luke Nolen’s ban from 24 meetings to 20, allowing the veteran hoop to ride in feature meetings at Flemington and Morphettville.

Nolen was banned after an incident past the winning post in a race at Pakenham on February 12. He pleaded guilty to improper riding following a heated exchange with rival jockey Lachlan Neindorf.

He appealed the severity of the penalty and has four meetings shaved off the initial penalty which will see him able to ride in the All-Star Mile at Flemington on March 7 and the Adelaide Cup on March 9.

The incident drew significant publicity, but Nolen maintained the contact with Neindorf’s mount was accidental. He said he had not meant any malice with his actions.