Paul Carberry is now certain to be missing for the hectic and lucrative Christmas period as the 37-year-old jockey has decided not to appeal against the 30-day suspension handed down to him by the Turf Club Referrals Committee last week.

Carberry, who is not allowed to ride in Ireland from November 25 until January 28, is free to ride in Britain on days where there is no racing on in Ireland, but will have to miss the majority of the winter after failing a second breath test at Naas last month.

The jockey, who has been a pivotal part of the Noel Meade team for many seasons, will not appeal the €5,000 fine handed down either and wished to thank his boss and those who have supported him when speaking yesterday.

Harsh

"I have used the last few days to consider carefully the decision of the referrals committee," he said. "While I feel the 30-day suspension over Christmas is harsh, I respect the panel's decision and have decided not to appeal.

"Instead I will try to use this period positively, so that when I return in January I can be at peak fitness and riding at the top of my game, as people deserve from me. I would like to thank the many people who have supported me over this period and who continue to support me, in particular Noel Meade and his owners and my colleagues in the weighing room."

Carberry's first big meeting to miss will be the Fairyhouse Winter Festival where top novice hurdling prospect Dunguib is set to face his biggest task to date for Philip Fenton and Brian O'Connell in the Bar One Royal Bond Novice Hurdle.

The race sponsors make last year's Cheltenham Festival hero as short as 4/9 to add a Grade One hurdle to his already impressive portfolio, which of course already includes last year's Champion Bumper success at Cheltenham.

Second favourite for the race is the John Kiely-trained Sweeps Hill who finished second behind Dunguib at Punchestown at their festival meeting but later was awarded the race when Philip Fenton's stable star was deemed to have mistakenly been given a prohibited substance.

Speaking about the toughest challenge to date over hurdles for Dunguib, Fenton said: "Dunguib seems fine and it is all systems go now to the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse, please God.

"He has come out of his race at Fairyhouse in great form so we will go to the Royal Bond now and then after that we will have time to decide where we go from there.

"Fairyhouse will be the first big step over hurdles for him but I don't think it will be as heavy there as Punchestown so that shouldn't be a concern. He will be staying at two miles as he has plenty of pace and it suits him."

Meanwhile, dual Gold Cup winner Kauto Star is now odds against with sponsors Betfair for his seasonal bow this weekend where it is Irish hope Notre Pere that is attracting all the support for Jim Dreaper and Andrew Lynch.

The trio were triumphant on their raid at Chepstow last December for the Welsh National and it is now all systems go with the mud-loving Guinness Gold Cup winner to take on Paul Nicholls' star.

Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle - Sponsors Bet: Dunguib 4/9 Sweeps Hill 4/1 Some Present 6/1 Fionnegas 9/1 Morning Supreme 9/1 Judge Roy Bean 12/1 Luska Lad 14/1 Quinola Des Obeaux 14/1 Darceys Dancer 16/1 Quel Esprit 18/1 Rhyl Accord 20/1 Shrinrock Paddy 20/1 Sicilan Secret 25/1 Golden Sunbird 25/1

Betfair Chase - Sponsors Bet: 6/5 Kauto Star, 5/2 Notre Pere, 15/2 Madison Du Berlais, 14/1 Imperial Commander, 26/1 Halcon Genelardias, 29/1 Tidal Bay, 69/1 Nozic, 89/1 Albertas Run, 99/1 Rambling Minster, 139/1 Nacarat, 169/1 Barbers Shop, 199/1 The Sawyer, 399/1 Seymour Weld.

- Niall Cronin