Barry Geraghty: Jockey to appeal against 30-day ban

Barry Geraghty won the 2003 Grand National on Monty's Pass

Jockey Barry Geraghty is to appeal against a 30-day ban which would rule him out of the Punchestown Festival.

Stewards at Limerick ruled the 36-year-old did not allow Noble Emperor to run on his merits in coming a distant second in a handicap hurdle on Sunday.

All jockeys except Barry Cash, who rode the victorious Velocity Boy, were asked to explain why the winner was able to open up a large and unassailable lead.

Geraghty's ban starts on 17 April, with Punchestown beginning on 26 April.

"I will be lodging an appeal and I now just have to wait on a date for it," he said.

The 7-4 favourite Noble Emperor - owned by JP McManus - ran in the pack, some 20 lengths behind Velocity Boy, for much of Sunday's race before finishing 11 lengths behind the winner.

The Limerick stewards, acting under Rule 212, also banned Noble Emperor for 60 days and fined trainer Tony Martin 3,000 euros (£2,400).

All other jockeys and horses were not sanctioned.

Geraghty will be able to ride in the Grand National at Aintree on Saturday but would miss the Sandown finale meeting on 23 April and the five-day Punchestown meeting.