Murtagh closes gap on Kinane
The committee decided to disqualify the Kevin Prendergast-trained Kurbaan following his win in a maiden at Leopardstown in August after a prohibited substance was found in his urine and, as a result of the ban, the second horse Akash, ridden by Murtagh, was promoted to first.
Murtagh also enjoyed some success in his appeal against a two-day ban for careless riding following the running of the Korean Racing Association handicap at The Curragh on October 13.
After hearing evidence, the stewards dismissed the appeal by Murtagh but in view of his good record reduced his suspension from two days to one, meaning he is free to ride on Saturday, Breeders’ Cup day, although he is expected to maintain his domestic challenge by doing duty at Leopardstown.
However, he was not so fortunate as a result of another appeal yesterday when trainer John Oxx contested the decision of the stewards at Listowel following the running of a race in which Millstreet, trained by Oxx and ridden by Murtagh, finished second.
The winner of the race, Sorcerous, was ridden by Kinane.
However, after hearing evidence from a stewards’ secretary, as well as Murtagh and Kinane, and viewing a film of the race, the stewards dismissed the appeal.
