Murtagh misses ride on Kalaman with back injury
Murtagh was due to partner Kalaman in tomorrow’s Juddmonte International Stakes.
The Aga Khan-owned Kalaman, trained at Newmarket by Sir Michael Stoute, is currently Ladbrokes’ 13-8 market leader for the first day’s £460,000 highlight.
But Murtagh has decided to give himself more time for his back to recover fully from a fall at Royal Ascot, and to stabilise his weight.
Murtagh has failed to meet his riding commitments on three occasions this year due to weight problems.
He is currently serving a three-day ban and was due to resume for John Oxx at Roscommon tonight, but he has decided to delay his return.
Murtagh’s agent Eddie Byrne said: “Johnny is taking a break for the moment to give his back time to come right and his weight to stabilise.
“He’s been having problems with his back since his fall at Royal Ascot.” Murtagh has ridden Kalaman in three of his four starts.
