Kinane lodges appeal
Saturday, 21 July 2001 09:36Michael Kinane has, as expected, launched an appeal against a suspension that threatens to rule him out of the ride on Galileo in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot on Saturday week. The ban, which rules him out of action next Friday and Saturday, was handed down when he was found guilty of careless riding on the Aidan O'Brien-trained Sophisticat at Leopardstown on Wednesday. It is his first suspension for two seasons.
Irish Turf Club spokesman Brian Kavanagh said: "Michael has been here looking at the videos of the Leopardstown race and he has decided that he will appeal."
The final deadline for an appeal to be made was Friday evening. However, Kinane may not have his hearing until less than 24 hours before the suspension is due to start.
"It is a free day in Ireland next Thursday so that would probably be the date for the hearing although it's too early to say for sure," added Kavanagh.
Unaware of all the fuss surrounding his participation in the race - with Johnny Murtagh having already been mooted as the rider most likely to stand in for Kinane - Galileo continued his build-up for the race at Ballydoyle. "He just did a little canter and he's in good form," said O'Brien.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
