Nikolic free to ride

Jockey Danny Nikolic has escaped four serious charges heard by the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board on Tuesday.

Nikolic pleaded not guilty to two charges of engaging in improper practice and two charges of acting in a manner prejudicial to the interest and image of racing; all of which the RAD Board found him innocent of.

However, Nikolic was fined a total of $3000 for being guilty of lesser charges; one of abusing RVL Chairman of stewards Terry Bailey which cost him $2000 and fined $250 for each of his four charges of leaving the jockeys room without the permission of stewards.

The veteran jockey said the ongoing case had prevented him from going about his job normally.

"I think it's held me back slightly. When you have a big question mark hanging over your head you can't pick up the gun rides in Group 1 races," he told the Herald-Sun.

"I'm very happy with the hearing I received from the RAD Board. I've said all along that I was innocent."

Nikolic has won 36 Group 1 races, and hopes to add to that total when the Melbourne Spring Carnival comes around once again in a few months' time.