TIM HABEL reports in the MELBOURNE HERALD SUN that Victorian Jockeys' Association committeeman Chris Symons said: "There will be a lot of relief among the boys and girls."
It was the first case in Victorian racing in which stewards had suspended a jockey for an error of judgment. Symons said fellow riders were "up in arms" that Rodder had been suspended for her on-pace ride on Serene Tarnie at Moonee Valley on November 19.
Rodder, 28, a 3kg city-claiming apprentice, said she was "very relieved" by the ruling.
She said she had received a wave of support throughout the ordeal and was looking forward to adding to her tally of 120 winners.
"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger," Rodder said.
Rodder, who has two rides at Pakenham today, was suspended under Rule 135 (b) for failing to take all reasonable and permissible measure to win or to obtain the best possible placing on Serene Tarnie ($17 to $15) in the 1500m Corporate Interiors Australia Handicap.
Stewards said Rodder's failure to sufficiently restrain her mount, which finished second last after duelling for the lead with Saint Angers was more blatant than a mere judgment of error.
Board chairman Judge Russell Lewis said all parties agreed Rodder's ride was poor. But he said the board could not be satisfied her ride was culpable or blameworthy.
Judge Lewis said chairman of stewards Terry Bailey's mindset had been influenced by his observation Rodder and trainer Robbie Laing might have colluded to give an advantage to stablemate Maquina ($4.60), who won the race.
Bailey later conceded there was no evidence to support collusion.
Judge Lewis was also critical of fellow apprentice Jake Noonan's role in ensuring the pace was too strong and queried why he did not hand up to Rodder when his mount, Saint Angers, had to carry 7kg more.
JOCKEY Andrew Mallyon had an appeal against a 12-meeting careless riding suspension from Cranbourne on Saturday upheld by the board.
DOES THE TALIA RODDER DECISION CREATE A DANGEROUS PRECEDENT?
HAVE YOUR SAY IN THE WEDNESDAY WHINGE
