By Larissa Nicholson
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Damien Oliver out until Melbourne Cup day for reckless riding
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Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Damien Oliver will appeal against his racing suspension for reckless riding.
The 44-year-old was riding Flying Artie in the Blue Sapphire at Caulfield on Saturday when he bumped Ken's Dream out of the way.
Oliver plead not guilty to the charge but was banned from 20 race meetings, starting after the Caulfield Cup and ending on October 31.
As expected, he plans to fight the ban.
He told RSN radio on Thursday morning he was shocked by the charge and would fight it as vigorously as he could.
"There was a little bit more contact than I anticipated because the horse in front of me hadn't dropped down to the fence, but I couldn't believe it," he said.
Oliver's appeal will be heard at 10am on Friday.
Meanwhile, New Zealand Oaks winner Fanatic has been scratched from the Caulfield Cup, giving first emergency De Little Engine a start.
De Little Engine is trained by Danny O'Brien who won the 2007 Caulfield Cup with Master O'Reilly who beat stablemate Douro Valley.
Apprentice Ben Thompson will ride De Little Engine who will carry 50.5 kilograms.
With AAP
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