Stewards are coming under hostile fire over their handling of Talia Rodder's 'bad ride' case. The popular 26yo was outed for 6 weeks for not giving her mount every chance - but, really, it was just a case of an apprentice turning in a sub-standard ride - and nothing sinister about it. So what do we expect of apprentices who are still learning the business? Adrian Dunn in the Melbourne Herald Sun says: 'So Rodder was pinged, essentially, for a bad ride. She admitted making an error of judgment...

Stewards are coming under hostile fire over their handling of Talia Rodder's 'bad ride' case. The popular 26yo was outed for 6 weeks for not giving her mount every chance - but, really, it was just a case of an apprentice turning in a sub-standard ride - and nothing sinister about it. So what do we expect of apprentices who are still learning the business?

Adrian Dunn in the Melbourne Herald Sun says: 'So Rodder was pinged, essentially, for a bad ride. She admitted making an error of judgment...But does the time fit the crime?Hardly. Break down the ride. Rodder followed the instructions of trainer Robbie Laing, who told her to ride the filly forward and allow her to stride. Did she overdo it?Yes. One of the components of the charge was that Rodder put Serene Tanie under further pressure by riding her along from the 600m. What was she supposed to do at that stage of the race? The rule under which Rodder was suspended covers horses not being allowed to run on their merits. Given the latest interpretation, it now seemingly includes bad rides. If that's the case, all jockeys should be fearful. Rodder is still learning her craft. Her penalty was way out of line.' Rodder appeals to the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board on Thursday.

Blake Shinn seems keen to get back to race riding. He's served his disqualification for those betting exploits with Peter Robl and now the Melbourne Cup winning jockey is battling to be at full fitness for his return to the tracks. Robil is already back and he's notched his first winner, at Canberra, and is getting riding offers from top stables. Shinn will be hoping for similar support.