Apprentice Jack Martin will be free to take rides at the first city meeting of the season in Melbourne after having a careless riding suspension reduced on appeal.

Martin was banned for eight meetings after pleading guilty to careless riding at the 1100m mark of a 1600m race at Sandown last Wednesday, which he won on White Devon.

The apprentice appealed the severity of the ban and the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board on Monday reduced the penalty to six meetings.

It means Martin can return to riding on Saturday.

Flemington hosts the first city meeting of the new season on Saturday while there is another at Sandown the following day.

The 2017/18 season starts on Tuesday.

Credit: AAP