Murtagh to ride all of Aga Khan’s Irish-trained horses

JOHN OXX is looking forward to renewing his association with Johnny Murtagh after the jockey was retained to ride all of the Aga Khan’s Irish-trained horses in 2011.

Murtagh was stable jockey for Oxx between 1992-2003, during which time he rode 18 Group One winners for one of the world’s leading owners.

Most memorably he guided Oxx’s Sinndar to victory in the Epsom Derby, the Irish Derby and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in 2000, and is now back in the job following his resignation as number one for Coolmore last week.

“Myself and Johnny have obviously had a very successful association over the years and when Johnny announced that he was leaving Ballydoyle, His Highness was keen to renew that old association,” said Oxx, who has 90 horses in training for the Aga Khan.

Murtagh’s appointment brings to an end Fran Berry’s brief stint as Oxx’s stable jockey.

Berry was given the job at the start of the year following the retirement of Mick Kinane at the end of 2009 and although he will not be retained in 2011, Oxx hopes he will still ride for the yard.

“What has happened is no reflection on Fran Berry, who is one of the country’s leading jockeys and is currently having his best ever season,” the Currabeg handler continued.

Mick Halford is the Aga Khan’s other Irish trainer, with 30 horses in his care.