Brad Rawiller put a positive spin on his 10-meeting suspension at Caulfield on Saturday.
Rawiller received his penalty for causing interference to Dwayne Dunn's mount Dulverton when he pushed out his mount for clear running at the 400m of the Listed Heatherlie Handicap (1700m).
But Rawiller told stewards he could now focus on another pressing engagement on Friday night when his AFL team Richmond takes on Geelong in a final at the MCG.
"I'll be able to concentrate on the Tigers now," Rawiller joked.
Rawiller pleaded guilty to his careless riding charge but a record chief steward Terry Bailey described as "excellent" was also a factor in a discount to the penalty for a mid-range offence.
Rawiller's penalty starts at midnight on Saturday and ends at midnight on Tuesday week.
Trainer Darren Weir must now find a new rider for Star Exhibit in the Group II Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley next Saturday.
Hell or Highwater makes it three on the bounce, winning the Listed Heatherlie Stakes for @lindsayparkrace and @Yendall21. pic.twitter.com/zqSteNuMq9
— Racing.com (@Racing) September 2, 2017