A relieved Dale Missen has been cleared of a serious racing charge which had threatened his riding career.
The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) on Friday overturned a 12-month disqualification imposed on Missen by Racing Queensland stewards who alleged he didn't allow Destars to run on its merits at the Gold Coast on April 27.
"I'm absolutely stoked. It's a massive relief," Missen said.
"You've got people depending on you and it can be life-changing something so serious, but it's complete relief now that's for sure.
"It's been a stressful couple of months. I was always innocent, and I knew that, but the worrying part was trying to make sure the judges were convinced of that."
Because Missen's disqualification was longer than three months it could not be heard at the first level appeal stage which meant he had to plead his case before QCAT which handed down its judgment on Friday.
The jockey has been sidelined with torn neck ligaments and cracked ribs after a trackwork spill at Eagle Farm on June 4, the same day QCAT granted Missen a stay of proceedings to continue riding until it delivered the final verdict.
"I'm going to the doctor on Tuesday and I'm hoping to get a clearance so I can get straight back into trackwork and hopefully be riding in races in a couple of weeks," Missen said.
After a successful career in Victoria, Missen relocated to Mackay in 2008 before shifting to Brisbane two years ago.
Stewards are examining the verdict and will seek legal advice before deciding whether to take the matter further.