Lengthy ban for Murtagh

Johnny Murtagh looks set to miss some high-profile rides after being handed a 21-day ban at Leopardstown.

The jockey was called before the stewards having appeared to strike Pat Smullen after passing the post in the opening race at the Dublin track.

Murtagh was aboard sixth-placed Famous Seamus in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Maiden race, with Smullen finishing three-quarters of a length ahead in fifth on Dermot Weld’s Polished Gem.

The stewards suspended him for improper riding, while he was also severely cautioned over his conduct towards the raceday stewards.