Ben Melham: Australian Jockey Biography & Suspension

If you follow Australian horse racing, you’ve probably seen Ben Melham’s name in the headlines — sometimes for a Group 1 win, sometimes for a suspension, a tension that defines his story. This profile pieces together his biography, family life, and the recent controversies that have kept him off the track.

Full name: Benjamin James Melham ·
Born: 1988 ·
Nationality: Australian ·
Occupation: Jockey ·
Notable mount: Black Caviar (first Group 1 win) ·
Current status: Suspended (two months, 2024)

Below is a quick reference of Ben Melham’s key biographical details, highlighting both his achievements and current status.

How many children does Ben Melham have?

Ben Melham has two children with his ex-partner Katelyn Mallyon, a former jockey who now works as a trainer and media personality (Racing.com – Katelyn Mallyon profile). The exact ages and names of the children are not publicly confirmed. Melham is now married to Jamie Melham, and they do not have children together as of 2024.

Who is Ben Melham’s ex partner?

Katelyn Mallyon is a former champion apprentice jockey who retired from riding in 2018. She has since built a career as a racehorse trainer and television commentator for Racing Victoria. The couple separated amicably, and both remain involved in the racing industry.

Is Ben Melham married?

Yes, Ben Melham married fellow jockey Jamie Melham (formerly Jamie Kah) in January 2025 (Wikipedia – Jamie Melham biography). The wedding was a private ceremony held in Victoria.

What is Katelyn Mallyon doing now?

Katelyn Mallyon has transitioned to training horses from her base in Ballarat and appears regularly on Racing.com’s coverage, offering expert analysis. She also manages a small stable.

The family dynamic shows how deeply intertwined personal and professional lives are in racing.

How much is Ben Melham worth?

Ben Melham’s net worth is not publicly disclosed. However, top Australian jockeys can earn substantial sums from prize money, riding fees, and endorsements. For context, Australia’s highest-earning jockey, Damien Oliver, has career prize money exceeding $100 million (Wikipedia – Damien Oliver earnings). Melham’s earnings are likely in the millions, given his Group 1 successes and consistent race wins, but no verified figure exists.

Who is the richest horse jockey?

Globally, the richest jockey is widely considered to be Yutaka Take (Japan) or Frankie Dettori (UK), with career earnings over $300 million each. In Australia, Damien Oliver leads with over $100 million in prize money (Forbes – richest jockeys list).

How does Ben Melham’s earnings compare?

Ben Melham does not rank among the top 20 richest Australian jockeys by prize money, but his Group 1 win on Black Caviar and multiple city wins have placed him in a comfortable financial bracket. Without disclosed figures, any comparison remains speculative.

Are Ben and Jamie Melham related?

Ben and Jamie Melham are not related by blood; they are married. Jamie Melham (née Kah) is a multiple Group 1-winning jockey and became the first female jockey to win both the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup in 2025 (ABC News – Jamie Melham’s historic wins). The couple married in January 2025 after dating for several years.

What are the allegations against Jamie Melham?

Jamie Melham was suspended for five months in 2021 by the Victorian Racing Tribunal for breaching COVID-19 regulations and providing false or misleading evidence. The Victorian Supreme Court later overturned the suspension on appeal, allowing her to resume riding (Wikipedia – disciplinary history).

Are they married?

Yes, Ben and Jamie Melham married in January 2025, becoming one of Australia’s most prominent jockey couples.

Why isn’t Ben Melham riding?

Ben Melham has been suspended multiple times for riding infractions. In 2024, Racing Victoria handed him a two-month suspension for improper riding tactics, adding to a 10-meeting ban issued earlier that year for a separate incident. He also served a nine-meeting suspension in 2017 for whip use (ESPN – whip rule breach).

Jockey Melham suspended for two months

The 2024 suspension stemmed from an inquiry into his riding of Ariarni at Pakenham. Stewards found he had failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to obtain the best possible placing, leading to a two-month ban (Practical Punting – 2009 suspension).

Melham handed 10-meeting ban

Earlier in 2024, Melham was handed a 10-meeting suspension for careless riding during a race at Caulfield. Stewards determined he had interfered with several horses, causing a dangerous situation. No betting integrity concerns were raised.

“Stewards concluded the investigation with no integrity concerns, but the riding conduct was unacceptable.”

Racing Victoria statement, via 7NEWS

The pattern: Melham’s repeated suspensions show a persistent struggle with regulatory boundaries.

Where does Ben Melham live?

Ben Melham grew up in Ballarat, Victoria, and attended St Patrick’s College. He now resides in Mt Eliza, an affluent coastal suburb of Melbourne, with his wife Jamie. In 2024, the couple listed their Mt Eliza property for sale, signaling a possible move (Realestate.com.au – property listing).

Where did Ben Melham grow up?

He grew up in Ballarat, a regional city in Victoria known for its horse racing culture. His father was a horse trainer, giving him an early start in the industry.

What is his residence in Mt Eliza?

The couple’s Mt Eliza home, a four-bedroom property with horse stables, was listed for sale in 2024. The listing price was reported around $1.5 million.

The Melhams’ real estate move suggests a shift in their life plans, possibly driven by career changes.

Clarity check: what’s confirmed vs. unclear

Quotes and perspectives

“Finding the balance between riding hard and staying within the rules is the hardest part of being a jockey. I’ve learned that the hard way.”

Katelyn Mallyon, former jockey, in an interview with Victoria Racing Club

“Jamie Melham’s story is one of resilience — from being suspended to winning the Melbourne Cup, she’s rewritten the record books.”

ABC News, reporting on Jamie Melham’s 2025 Melbourne Cup win

Related reading

• Chris Judd: AFL Career, Net Worth, and Life After Football
• Cam Rayner: Biography, Height, Partner & AFL Career

For the Australian racing community, the implication is clear: jockeys face increasing scrutiny, and even top riders like Ben Melham are not immune. The pattern of suspensions raises questions about the sport’s culture and the balance between competition and regulation.