Ahern to appeal against Curragh ban

EDDIE AHERN is to appeal against the 21-day ban for “improper conduct” he received from the stewards at the Curragh on Saturday.

The jockey was involved in a changing room incident with fellow rider Declan McDonogh following the C L Weld Park Stakes.

The suspension covers the remaining 10 days of Irish Flat racing this season, and the first 11 of next term.

"I have put in an appeal for Eddie this morning," said Jockeys' Association chief executive John Blake.

"We are appealing against the severity of the ban, which we believe is excessive. Eddie Ahern has said that he is very embarrassed about the matter, he has apologised and it was very out of character.

"It has got a bit out of hand the ban is disproportionate, as for 21 days he will not be able to earn a living, which would not happen in another profession.

"We do not know when the appeal will be heard, but obviously it will be at a mutually convenient time.

"The ban starts nine days after the offence on a day when there is racing in Ireland, which I believe is October 13.

"We hope that they will consider the fact that it is not just Eddie that misses out, but the connections of the horses he rides."