Ahern banned after clash with McDonagh

Eddie Ahern is set to miss Champions’ Day at Newmarket on October 16 after picking up a 21-day ban at the Curragh yesterday for “hitting out” at fellow jockey Declan McDonogh.

The two apparently clashed in the jockeys’ changing rooms after they had ridden in the C L Weld Park Stakes.

Ahern was last of the nine runners on the Mark Prescott-trained Songerie, the 5-2 favourite, while McDonogh was fourth on Adaala.

“One thing led to another and I ended up losing it and hitting out at him,” Ahern, who was riding in Ireland for the first time this year, told the Racing Post.

Ahern claimed his mount had been hampered by Adaala early in the race. He has yet to decide whether to appeal,

McDonogh reported the incident to the stewards, who banned Ahern for improper conduct.

McDonogh was treated by the Turf Club’s medial officer Dr Walter Halley for a cut on his nose, but refused to comment on the incident.

The suspension covers the last 10 days when there is Flat racing in Ireland, with the other 11 days to be served from the start of next season there.