Murtagh set for midweek return
The jockey, who has ridden a string of big-race winners over the last couple of years, announced before York’s Ebor meeting that he was taking a break from the saddle to combat weight problems.
Murtagh’s problems stem from a back injury he suffered when thrown from a horse at Royal Ascot.
But he may return with one ride for his boss John Oxx at Limerick, aboard the Aga Khan-owned Hanabad in a one-mile conditions event.
The three-year-old, fifth in the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury on his latest outing when ridden by Fran Berry, is set to carry 9st 7lb.
“I’m not sure about Wednesday yet. I’ll speak to John Oxx in the morning,” Murtagh said yesterday.
If the rider does return then it throws up the possibility that he will be on Alamshar in the Ireland The Food Island Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday.
Christophe Soumillon had been booked for the ride on the Budweiser Irish Derby and King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes winner in his expected absence.
But Oxx said yesterday afternoon: “Johnny Murtagh is fit and well and intending to be back in action at Limerick.
“He’s not going to kill himself to get his weight down. We just have to see how that goes. He’s in good shape, though, and as regards the weekend and the Champion Stakes, we’ll just have to wait and see.
“Christophe Soumillon is chalked up and waiting in the wings if required.”
Of Alamshar, he added: “His preparation has gone well, though you always have to mind him. But he’s fine and in very good shape.
“I believe there may be a break in the weather later in the week, but that’s not going to put him off running.”
