A round-up of today's other racing news in brief ....
Seven-day ban for Murtagh
JOHNNY MURTAGH might have tasted Group One glory on Mastercraftsman yesterday, but he also picked up suspensions totalling seven days, writes Brian O’Connor. It means he could miss out on riding yesterday’s St James’s Palace Stakes winner if he runs in the Coral Eclipse at Sandown.
Murtagh was suspended for a single day (June 30th) for his use of the whip on Mastercraftsman. He later picked up a total of six days for his ride on Kayf Aramis in the Ascot Stakes. Murtagh’s mount appeared to interfere with Ermine Sea when both horses were contesting the lead. The jockey got five days (July 1st-5th) and another day (July 6th) for failing to ride out for sixth place.
The 39-year-old has already been ruled out of the final two days of Royal Ascot after picking up a five-day ban for his Coronation Cup ride on Frozen Fire 12 days ago.
Jumbo Rio heads to France
JUMBO RIO joins an Irish team on the Grade One trail in Auteuil this Sunday when the Edward O’Grady- trained horse takes part in the French equivalent of the Triumph Hurdle. A total of 13 entries remain in the €270,000 Prix Alain Du Breil, including Willie Mullins’ Mourad.
Ruby Walsh could make his return from injury on Mourad and also Quevega who is one of 10 entries in the €370,000 Grande Course De Haies D’Auteuil, the French Champion Hurdle.
- Michael Kinane has two rides at Fairyhouse this evening and teams up with Crowing Moment for John Kiely in the 10-furlong handicap.
Kinane has a fine record with Kiely and Crowning Moment won for them at Killarney last August and was successful in a hurdle at Tramore in April.
Big Game Hunter is Kinane’s other mount in the mile and a half handicap and a little dig in the ground should suit this Navan winner. Miss Gorica’s 102 rating makes a convincing argument in the seven-furlong conditions race and she also comes here in form.
