Ignoring the advice of a trainer can be hazardous for jockeys at the best of times, a lesson Hugh Bowman learned the hard way at Canterbury on Wednesday.

Bowman was having his first race ride on the Matthew Smith-trained Californian Man in the Cellarbrations Plate and along with issuing the usual riding instructions, Smith had a word of caution for the jockey .

"I said to Hugh, `it might be better not to use the stick in your right hand today, just in case'," Smith told a post-race stewards inquiry.

Californian Man had been wayward when hit with the whip on his right side at his previous start so the trainer was cautious, although not yet concerned.

In the heat of battle, Smith's advice was disregarded and when Californian Man began to idle and drift towards the rail at the 200m, Bowman's competitive instincts took over and he pulled the whip through to his right hand and gave the horse a slap.

"I thought if I could give him an effective hit it might be my best chance," Bowman said.

"Apparently he wasn't too keen on it."

Resenting the contact, Californian Man veered sharply towards the outside fence, unseating Bowman in front of seven thoroughbreds in full flight.

Whether it was the skill of Bowman to tumble when he did, the horsemanship of rival riders to avoid running over the top of him, or sheer good luck, the trailing horses missed the jockey by centimetres.

Bowman sprung to his feet, walked back to the jockeys' room unscathed and fulfilled his remaining rides at the meeting.

Most importantly, he is fit to partner favourite Winx in the Group One Queensland Oaks at Doomben on Saturday.

"It all happened very quickly," Bowman said.

"The horse didn't give any indication he would do that."

Stewards have ordered Californian Man to be placed under pressure in a barrier trial before he is allowed to race again and Smith will also put the horse in blinkers.

The race was won by the Bart and James Cummings-trained Cisco Kid.