Murtagh Free For Motivator Mount

Johnny Murtagh will be free to ride Motivator in the Vodafone Derby after having a three-day ban reduced to two at the Jockey Club today.

He was found guilty of careless riding after partnering Miss Brush to win the Leisure Club Median Auction Maiden Stakes at Lingfield Park last week.

The local stewards decided that he had caused interference in the early stages having cut across to the rails from his high draw and gave him the suspension, which was due to begin on Derby Day.

However, Murtagh contested the ban and after a hearing of the Jockey Club´s disciplinary panel, which lasted about an hour and a quarter, the punishment was reduced.

Under the rules, a suspension of two days or less is automatically deferred if clashing with a Group One race in Britain.

He is now banned on Sunday and Monday.

Murtagh was delighted with the outcome.

He said: 'Getting it reduced to two days is a big relief.

'I suppose it has been on my mind a lot. Even though you are trying to think about other things it´s there hanging over you.

'I´m just glad it´s all over and glad with the decision.

'I´m really looking forward to the build-up and the race now.'

Darryll Holland had been lined up to take over the ride on the Michael Bell-trained Motivator had Murtagh´s ban stood.

Bell said: 'Thank god justice has been done and I´m sure Johnny is mightily relieved.

'With no disrespect to Darryll, Johnny was always the man we wanted and it´s fantastic news he can ride.'

Motivator is owned by The Royal Ascot Racing Club and they also welcomed the news.

Racing manager Harry Herbert said: 'I´m absolutely delighted with this news.

'Johnny Murtagh, apart from being a world-class jockey, has spent a tremendous amount of time and effort in working with Michael Bell and his team with Motivator and it´s only just that he should be there to partner the horse on Saturday.

'Everyone connected with the horse is absolutely thrilled and we can look forward to the day now that all the pieces of the jigsaw are in place.

'We are obviously very grateful to Darryll for putting himself in a position which has gone against him. But hopefully he will pick up a spare ride.'

? PA Sport