Date set for Murphy hearing

Timmy Murphy will have his appeal against a seven-day ban heard at the Jockey Club on Thursday.

The ban rules the in-form rider out from Boxing Day until New Year’s Day inclusive, meaning he is set to miss the ride on either Our Vic or Therealbandit in the King George VI Chase at Kempton, as well as a host of other high-profile engagements at one of the busiest times of the racing year.

The Jockey Club had hoped to stage the appeal today but Murphy’s legal team required more time to put together their defence.

Jockey Club spokesman Owen Byrne confirmed: “We fully expect the hearing to take place on Thursday at a time yet to be decided.”