TOP female jockey Nikita McLean has been suspended for five months for assaulting her sister Jackie Beriman at the Hamilton races on Sunday.

MATT STEWART reports for the HERALD SUN that McLean provided a dramatic account of a domestic situation involving her and her 18-year-old sister Jackie as well as McLean's estranged husband, jumps jockey Brad McLean before pleading guilty to refusing a steward's order and assaulting her sister.

Stewards heard at times contradictory statements from the warring sisters.

Jackie Beriman complained at Hamilton that her sister had kicked her, which McLean disputed, saying she kicked a pole when attempting to kick Beriman.

A number of female jockeys interviewed on the day backed McLean's account.

But neither sibling disputed that McLean pushed and then punched Beriman at least twice to the head as McLean entered the female jockeys' room later in the day.

Beriman gave evidence today via a phone hook-up.

McLean was suspended for a month for refusing an order to attend the stewards' room on the day and for five months for the assault. The suspensions are to be served concurrently.

STORY SOURCE: MELBOURNE HERALD SUN – NEWS LIMITED.