Murtagh gets the Coolmore call

JOHNNY MURTAGH has been appointed number one rider to the Coolmore-Ballydoyle operation, his agent Eddie Byrne confirmed last night.

The 37-year-old Meath man has ridden a number of big-race winners for Aidan O’Brien over the years, including the Epsom Derby on High Chaparral in 2002.

Speaking from Dubai, Murtagh said last night: “I am over the moon. It is a great opportunity and I am really looking forward to riding for the team. I am 37 now and my best years lie ahead of me.”