Jockey Johnny Murtagh was partially successful in his bid to have a seven-day ban overturned when the suspension was reduced to four days on appeal at the Curragh today.
However, the Irish jockey will still be unavailable to ride at Longchamp, which features the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, or Tipperary on Sunday. His ban takes effect tomorrow, Thursday, Sunday and Monday.
Murtagh and trainer Eddie Lynam appealed against the penalties imposed on them at the Curragh on September 21st over the running and riding of Dangle, whofinished fifth in the six-furlong two-year-old maiden.
Murtagh was hit with a seven-day ban for allegedly not giving his horse every opportunity to win or obtain its best possible placing, while Lynam was fined €750 for allegedly using the racecourse as a training ground. Dangle was banned from racing for 42 days.
However, Lynam was successful with his appeal and his fine was remitted and the horse's suspension was lifted.
The Turf Club's appeals and referrals committee upheld Lynam's appeal "on the basis that he changed his evidence from the original Curragh inquiry and said hewas not satisfied with the ride".
The committee said they took Murtagh's good record into account when reducing his ban.