Patrick Moloney has had an appeal against an improper riding ban dismissed but has had his penalty reduced by four meetings.

Moloney lodged appeals against both the decision and severity of a 28-meeting ban for improper riding aboard Percivall Pott near the 1500m mark of a 2219m race at Sale last week.

On Thursday the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board dismissed Moloney's appeal against the decision but varied the penalty to 24 meetings.

The jockey was also suspended for nine meetings for careless riding for another incident in the same race at the 200m mark, with both his bans served concurrently.

Moloney can return to the saddle on March 9.