Murtagh rules out appeal

JOHNNY Murtagh has decided not to appeal against the six-day suspension he picked up aboard winner Starspangledbanner in last Friday’s July Cup.

Murtagh had been debating the issue as the dates rule him out of the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot and the first two days of Glorious Goodwood.

However, despite missing out on plum rides such as Cape Blanco at Ascot and the likes of Rip Van Winkle at Goodwood, Murtagh has decided against challenging the decision of the Newmarket stewards.

Murtagh’s agent Eddie Byrne said the rider was not prepared to comment any further on the matter.