Racing: Johnny Murtagh's fluctuating year took another dip at the Curragh yesterday as the jockey collected a seven-day ban that will rule him out of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Murtagh rode the newcomer Dangle into fifth for trainer Eddie Lynam in the six-furlong maiden, an effort that provoked a stewards' inquiry which lasted almost an hour.

At the end of it, Lynam received a €750 fine for using the racecourse as a training ground, Dangle was banned from racing for 42 days and Murtagh was suspended for seven days for making insufficient effort. Both Murtagh and Lynam, who was livid at the decision, immediately announced their intention to appeal but Murtagh's ban currently rules him out of the Arc meeting.

"Do they think I'm sweating in a sauna all morning to stop a horse?" Murtagh queried. "The horse ran green and when I gave her a smack she ran on strongly. But the four in front stopped as well. I've given horses better rides but it just didn't happen for me."

A furious Lynam said: "I am definitely appealing. It is a slur on my name. I am disgusted with them. I'm not saying I'm a great trainer but I am an honest trainer. I have put millions into this business and I haven't been in trouble for stopping a horse for 20 years. There are very successful gambling stables but we are not one of them. I train for owner-breeders and there is no hidden agenda. We don't fiddle around like that."

In August, Murtagh got a €2,000 fine at the Curragh for failing to make the correct weight, a decision he later successfully appealed.

Weight problems have also plagued the rider this season and he took a two-week break before returning to action at the start of this month.