Johnny Murtagh completed a stunning 114-1 four-timer at Fairyhouse today – but his quest to regain the Irish Flat jockey's championship was dealt a blow when he picked up what could prove a costly two-day suspension. Murtagh has now drawn level Pat Smullen on the 76-winner mark for the campaign, with Mick Kinane back in third place on 73.
Murtagh had to endure a stewards' inquiry after the first of his four victories, which was subsequently confirmed, but was then handed a two-day ban for careless riding after his second victory on Cadence. In total, he could miss as many as 13 rides between a meeting in Thurles (November 7) and the final Flat session of the season at Leopardstown the following Sunday.
Murtagh has confirmed that he is considering an appeal: "I will look at the video of the race when I get home tonight and see whether I will be appealing," he said.
Filed by Tom Grealis
