Irish Jockey Johnny Murtagh Banned

Johnny Murtagh is set to miss some high-profile rides after being handed bans totalling 23 days 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 21 days for improper riding, while he was also severely cautioned over his conduct towards the raceday stewards.

Murtagh's day got worse when he picked up a further two days for careless riding after his victory on Back To Paris in the penultimate race on the card.

His ban will start on August 23 and rules him out of the ride on Motivator in the Irish Champion Stakes on September 10, as well as Soviet Song should she take her chance in the Matron Stakes on the same card.

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Irish Jockey Johnny Murtagh Banned