Murtagh to appeal ban



JOHNNY MURTAGH, who picked up two separate careless riding bans at the Curragh on Sunday, has lodged an appeal against the three-day ban he received for his riding of the Aidan O'Brien-trained Westphalia who finished second in the 6f two-year-old maiden.

The ban takes in June 8, 9 and 11 and Murtagh's agent, Eddie Byrne, said on Monday: "Johnny has appealed against the severity of the three-day ban."

Murtagh was later banned for two days (June 13-14) for a similar offence on Juddmonte Oaks candidate, Tiffany Diamond, who completed a big weekend for the jockey and trainer O'Brien. Over the two days at the Curragh, Murtagh rode six winners while O'Brien sent out seven winners. The jockey is not appealing the second ban.