Hugh Bowman is free to ride Irish visitor Mutual Regard in the Melbourne Cup after having a lengthy suspension reduced on appeal.

Bowman was outed for 20 meetings after he was found guilty of an improper riding charge in Saturday’s Caulfield Classic.

He accepted the improper riding charge but appealed the severity of the ban.

On Tuesday, Victoria’s Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board shaved four meetings off meaning Bowman can return on Melbourne Cup day.

He still misses two important meetings, Saturday’s Cox Plate day and the Victoria Derby the following week.

James McDonald now takes the ride on leading Cox Plate contender Criterion.