The severity of Hugh Bowman’s improper riding suspension has been reduced however and will return on the eve of the Melbourne Cup.

Hugh Bowman fronted the Racing and Appeals Disciplinary board on Tuesday afternoon to have the severity of his suspension for improper riding incurred at Caulfield last Saturday downgraded.

After hearing information provided by the both Bowman and Racing Victoria Stewards, the RAD Panel elected to reduce the leading rider’s suspension by four meetings from 20 to 16.

It will allow Bowman to ride on Melbourne Cup Day where at this stage he is booked to partner Mutual Regard in the 3200m staying feature.

While the severity of the suspension has been reduced, Bowman will miss out on this weekend’s racing at Moonee Valley.

Bowman had been down to partner Manikato Stakes favourite Terravista on Friday night and then Criterion in the Group 1 Cox Plate on the Saturday.

Nash Rawiller will be the beneficiary of Bowman’s absence aboard Terravista while James McDonald rides Criterion.