Holland Waits On Murtagh Appeal

Darryll Holland has been put on stand-by to partner ante-post favourite Motivator in the Vodafone Derby.

Holland has been named as substitute for the Michael Bell-trained colt after his intended partner Johnny Murtagh picked up a three-day ban at Lingfield on Tuesday that would rule him out of the Epsom Classic on Saturday week.

Murtagh has until this afternoon to lodge his appeal.

'Darryll will ride should Johnny´s appeal against his suspension be unsuccessful,' said Harry Herbert, racing manager for owners The Royal Ascot Racing Club.

Herbert revealed that Holland was chosen following a meeting between himself, Bell and bloodstock agent John Warren.

'We looked at all the obvious jockeys. Jamie Spencer, Michael Kinane and Richard Hughes are all committed and we decided to go for Darryll,' he said.

'He has a tremendous record for us. He won the German 2000 Guineas on Brunel for the Highclere syndicate last year.

'He´s also got terrific statistics at Epsom and that is something to bear in mind.

'Frankie Dettori and Kieren Fallon are great exponents at Epsom but Darryll is up there as well.'

Herbert also revealed that arrangements had already been made for Holland to get to know Motivator.

'Darryll will sit on the horse next Wednesday to get acquainted with him. Motivator won´t be doing any serious work at that stage but Darryll will ride him at exercise to get a feel of him,' he added.

? PA Sport