Ben Melham net worth: Jockey career and success


Ben Melham net worth arises from thoroughbred horse racing. He is an Australian professional jockey for more than two decades.

Ben Melham net worth

The estimated Ben Melham net worth is $2.5 million according to The City Celeb. This value points to the success of  his long-running thoroughbred racing career of over 20 years.

Horse racing career overview

Ben Melham completed his secondary education at St Patrick’s College in Ballarat, where he distinguished himself in cross-country running and was also a member of the school’s equestrian team. 

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He began riding professionally in 2003 at just 15 years old, initially apprenticed to trainer Darren Weir in Ballarat. Afterwards, he moved to the Caulfield stable of Hall of Fame trainer Lee Freedman. 

During this time, he rode his first winner and quickly established a presence across Victoria’s provincial and metropolitan racing circuits.

Over the following years, he steadily rose through the Victorian jockey ranks. His breakthrough came in the 2010/2011 season. He achieved his first 100-winner season and finished third in the Melbourne jockeys’ premiership.

In November 2010, he secured his first Group 1 victory aboard the Black Caviar in the Patinack Farm Classic at Flemington. This also marked the first Group 1 triumph of Black Caviar’s remarkable career. 

Their partnership continued with further elite successes, including the T.J. Smith Stakes in 2012 and the Lightning Stakes in 2013.

His biggest career triumph came in 2017. He rode She Will Reign to victory in the prestigious Group 1 Golden Slipper at Rosehill for trainer Gary Portelli. 

The following year, he added another Group 1 success in the Manikato Stakes on Brave Smash for Darren Weir. 

Although his career was interrupted by a suspension in 2019 related to the Aquanita case, Ben Melham returned to racing and continued to secure major victories for leading trainers such as Ciaron Maher, Peter Moody, and Mick Price.

In 2025, Ben Melham and his wife/fellow jockey Jamie Melham, made racing history by becoming the first husband-and-wife pair to compete against each other in the Melbourne Cup. In the race, Jamie Melham won aboard Half Yours while he finished 14th riding Smokin’ Romans.

By early July 2025, Ben Melham had ridden 1,409 career winners, including 22 at Group 1 level, placing him among Australia’s most accomplished jockeys. 

Final thoughts on Ben Melham net worth

In conclusion, for his consistent success at the highest level, Ben Melham remains a prominent and commercially successful figure in Australian thoroughbred racing.

Featured image: Ben Melham on Instagram
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