Holland handed Motivator chance

Holland will ride Motivator if Murtagh's appeal fails

Darryll Holland is being lined up to replace banned jockey Johnny Murtagh on Vodafone Derby favourite Motivator.

Holland has been named as the surprise substitute for the Michael Bell-trained colt after Murtagh picked up a three-day ban for careless riding.

"Darryll will ride should Johnny's appeal against his suspension be unsuccessful," said Harry Herbert, spokesman for the horse's owners.

Speculation had centred on Mick Kinane being the most likely replacement.

Herbert, racing manager for the Royal Ascot Racing Club, said Holland was chosen after a meeting between himself, Bell and bloodstock agent John Warren.

I'd imagine everyone and his mother was trying to get the ride Terry Norman, Darryll Holland's agent

"We looked at all the obvious jockeys. Jamie Spencer, Michael Kinane and Richard Hughes are all committed and we decided to go for Darryll," he said.

"He has a tremendous record for us. He won the German 2000 Guineas on Brunel for the Highclere syndicate last year.

"He's also got terrific statistics at Epsom and that is something to bear in mind.

"Frankie Dettori and Kieren Fallon are great exponents at Epsom but Darryll is up there as well."

Holland is a good jockey but he is nowhere near as good as Johnny Murtagh From A Have your say on Five Live

He said arrangements had already been made for Holland to acquaint himself with Motivator.

"Darryll will sit on the horse next Wednesday. Motivator won't be doing any serious work at that stage but Darryll will ride him at exercise to get a feel of him," he added.