Jockey Johnny Murtagh received a one day suspension for dropping his hands on third placed Alanza in the jogforjockeys.ie Fillies Race at Leopardstown this evening.

Alanza, which was also the subject of a running and riding enquiry, stayed on from off the pace in the contest to finish a never-nearer third to Marvada

Afterwards the Stewards suspended Murtagh for one race-day for not riding his mount out to the line when still in contention for second place.

The Stewards also enquired into the running and riding of the filly and Murtagh’s explanations were subsequently noted.

Murtagh had told the Stewards that his intention was to drop her out, but because of the slow pace, his mount got caught flat-footed. He added that Alanza has a tendency to run free but that she hit a flat spot before staying on well.

Thomas Weekes