Timmy Murphy, regular partner of Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite See More Business, received a six-day ban at Kempton yesterday - but will be back to partner the horse in the Festival highlight on March 19th.

Murphy rode first past the post Runaway Pete in the Scottish Equitable/Jockeys Association Handicap Hurdle at Kempton, but the stewards found his mount had interfered with third-placed Far Dawn, who was promoted to second behind Ela Agapi Mou.

They found Murphy guilty of irresponsible riding and suspended him from March 9th-14th inclusive. Had the suspension been for a whip offence, Murphy would have missed the ride on See More Business, as he did in the Pertemps King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen's Day.

A further whip ban would trigger the 10-day ban, suspended until June 8th, which Murphy received at a hearing before the Jockey Club's disciplinary committee last December.

The Grey Monk is only "5050" to be in the line-up for the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup, Gordon Richards said yesterday.

"I thought it was only fair to tell the public that The Grey Monk is only 50-50 for the Gold Cup," Richards said. "I am just trying to be honest."

The Grey Monk is currently quoted at 8 to 1 for the race following a successful reappearance in Haydock's Tommy Whittle Chase in December.

"I just hope I can get him fit enough for the Gold Cup but there isn't much time and if I can't then it will be a big disappointment to me and the owner. "If I can't get him to Cheltenham then the Grand National is a big possibility," added Richards.