Murtagh disappointed by appeal decision Johnny Murtagh had a three day careless riding suspension reduced by a day on appeal this afternoon but also picked up an additional ?1,000 fine. The Ballydoyle retained jockey and his agent Eddie Byrne were both disappointed with the verdict taking into considering the evidence and previous suspensions meated out for careless riding this season. Murtagh was appealing against the severity of the ban he picked up when partnering Westphalia to finish second in a juvenile maiden at the Curragh on Boylesports 1,000 Guineas day. Byrne said, ´There have been 15 other incidents since the start of the Flat season where jockey´s have been found guilty of careless riding. Of those, four received a caution, five were severely cautioned, two got a one day suspension and four received two days.´ ´We appealed against the severity of the suspension as it was more than anyone else received, and it was Johnny´s first offence this year.´ The former champion jockey will now start a four day suspension - having later picked up a further two days for a seperate careless riding offence on Tiffany Diamond at the Curragh - next Monday (June 9th) and will also be suspended on June 11, 13 and 15. He is available to ride Kitty Matcham in the French Oaks on Sunday.
