Today is D-Day for Michael Kinane's hopes of riding Galileo in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

The former champion jockey's appeal against a two-day ban that threatens to rule him out of the big race will be held at 4.00 p.m. today at the Turf Club.

"It will be a full appeal," confirmed Kinane's solicitor, Andrew Coonan, yesterday.

Kinane picked up the suspension, which is due to start tomorrow, on Sophisticat in Leopardstown's Silver Flash Stakes where he was judged guilty of careless riding.

Even a reduction in the ban will allow Kinane to maintain his partnership with Galileo and bid for a fourth King George following victories on Belmez (1990), Kings Theatre (1994) and Montjeu last year.

However, if he is unsuccessful, Johnny Murtagh is believed to be standing by to pass up on racing at the Curragh and replace Kinane on the dual-Derby winner.

Murtagh has already won two Group One prizes (Irish 2,000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes) for the Ballydoyle team on Black Minnaloushe this season.

Aidan O'Brien yesterday reported Galileo to be on course for the race and will be accompanied by at least one stable companion.

"Ice Dancer will run and maybe we will run one other too," he said. "I am not too worried about the ground. We won't risk him unless it is safe, but if the ground is safe, we will be okay."

O'Brien has yet to decide which of his four entries will run in next week's Sussex Stakes at Goodwood but did report he will not run any two year olds at the prestigious meeting.

Trainer Alec Stewaret yesterday confirmed that the Prince Of Wales's Stakes winner, Mutamam, will be declared for the King George.

The newest nomination to Horse Racing Ireland is Dermot Cantillon who was yesterday elected by the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association. The Department of Agriculture expects the remainder of nominations for the 12 strong board today. Peter McCarthy was elected as the owners' nominee to the board.