MURPHY CUP KO AFTER BAN

OISIN MURPHY has had to forfeit his dream debut ride in the Melbourne Cup after picking up a 15-meeting ban down under – but will be able to take part in the Breeders’ Cup tomorrow week.

Murphy, riding the Aidan O’Brien-trained 17-1 chance Spirit Of Valor, was caught 30 yards from the post by local hope Brave Smash in the

Group One Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley.

In a whipcracking blanket finish, Murphy appeared to cause interference to the challenging Houtzen, who missed out on a place.

Murphy was found guilty of careless riding.

Little more than 24 hours earlier, Murphy had picked up the mount on Hardwicke Stakes runner-up Red Verdon in the Melbourne Cup, a race it has been his ambition to ride in since he took part on the under card in 2014 when an apprentice.

Murphy, 23, has been able to defer his ban until after the Breeders’ Cup, where his rides include Roaring Lion in the Classic.

This morning Murphy partners Benbatl in the Cox Plate, in which Aussie wonder-mare Winx is bidding to extend her winning sequence to 29.

Britain and Ireland provide four of the nine runners in the Group One Prix Royal Oak at Chantilly tomorrow, including Godolphin’s unbeaten Brundtland (William Buick) and Irish St Leger winner Flag Of Honour (Ryan Moore).