The penultimate chapter in the fairytale story of Vodafone Derby favourite Motivator was given a happy ending in London yesterday when Johnny Murtagh was cleared to take the ride on Saturday.

The Irishman is free to bid for his third success in the world's most famous Flat race after having a three-day suspension reduced to two upon appeal.

Murtagh was found guilty of careless riding after partnering Miss Brush to win at Lingfield Park last week.

The local stewards decided that he had caused interference in the early stages, having cut across to the rails from his high draw, and gave him the ban, which was due to begin on Derby day.

However, Murtagh contested the decision and after a hearing of the Jockey Club's disciplinary panel, the punishment was reduced after the panel threw out one of the two counts of interference of which he had been found guilty.

Under Jockey Club rules, a suspension of two days or less is automatically deferred if clashing with a Group One race in Britain, so the rider's ban now starts the day after the Derby.

Murtagh's case was aided by the evidence of weighing-room colleagues Paul Doe and Frankie McDonald, who both played down the seriousness of the interference they received on the day as they gave evidence.

Although the panel took some time to agree upon the reduction of the penalty, Murtagh lifted his eyes to the skies in relief when called back in to hear that his ban had been reduced.

Before making a hasty exit to a waiting car to race to Nottingham for his booked rides, he said: ''Getting it reduced to two days is a big relief.

''I suppose it has been on my mind a lot. Even though you are trying to think about other things it's there hanging over you.

''I'm just glad it's all over and glad with the decision.

''I'm really looking forward to the build-up and the race now. The horse is in good form and he must have a great chance.

''It's the biggest race of the year for a jockey and now I can look forward to it.

''In a way I suppose it has added to the spice of the story - there's been a lot of talk about the horse and about this thing. It would be great to end it all by winning the race.''

Darryll Holland had been lined up to take over the ride on the Michael Bell-trained Motivator had Murtagh's ban stood.

A planned getting-to-know-you session between horse and rider this morning has now been shelved but Holland's pill has been sweetened by the offer to ride Motivator's stablemate Higher Love in the Vodafone Oaks. The rider could also step into the breach aboard one of the Ballydoyle-trained outsiders with Christophe Soumillon required to ride at Chantilly having initially been pencilled in by Aidan O'Brien.