Racing Victoria stewards have withdrawn serious charges against jockey Craig Robertson for his ride on Bolshoi Bandit at Echuca in April.
The stewards spent two months pursuing the situation, but it fizzled out on Tuesday, just two days before Robertson was meant to front the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board.
Three weeks ago, stewards issued two charges (one alternative) for the ride:
Charge 1 – Breach of AR 135(a):
(a) Every horse shall be run on its merits.
Charge 2 – Breach of AR 135(b) (alternative to Charge 1):
(b) The rider of every horse shall take all reasonable and permissible measures throughout the race to ensure that his horse is given full opportunity to win or to obtain the best possible place in the field.
In a statement, RV explained the reasons for the change of heart.
"Since the charges were laid, the stewards have obtained further evidence in relation to this matter, including detailed evidence from the chair of stewards on the day and the other stewards officiating at the race meeting, and obtained further legal advice from counsel briefed to appear for them," the statement read.
"After considering the further evidence and legal advice, and having taken into account all of the circumstances of this specific case, the stewards have decided to withdraw both charges against Mr Robertson and have advised him accordingly."
WATCH: Robertson's ride on Bolshoi Bandit
At an earlier inquiry, RV's chief steward Terry Bailey said he had "grave concerns" over Robertson's handling of Bolshoi Bandit, who finished last as a $4.40 second favourite in the race on April 10.
Robertson said Bolshoi Bandit was a "bastard of an animal" and hung in for the entire race which meant he wasn't able to ride him in a normal manner.
"I can sit here honestly and say truthfully that I never tried to stop that horse," Robertson told the stewards' panel.
"Its racing manners never let me ride it the way I wanted."