Apprentice Michael Poy has been taken to hospital for observation after almost being dislodged from King's Command at the start of the Yuletide Handicap at Flemington.

King's Command jumped awkwardly and collected Poy in the face as the field was released in Saturday's race, missing the start by five lengths.

Poy suffered minor facial injuries and was taken to the Alfred Hospital to be monitored for concussion.

King's Command ran on in the straight to finish fifth behind Mr Money Bags.

Ben Melham incurred a second suspension in four days when outed for eight meetings on a careless riding charge after winning on Etymology in the Happy Holidays Handicap.

Melham began his ban from Caulfield on Wednesday at the conclusion of Saturday's Flemington meeting and will miss 14 meetings, returning on January 5 at Caulfield.