Murtagh gets the Coolmore call
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.”
His agent Eddie Byrne added: “He’d like to thank Mick Halford and Ger Lyons, who have given him many winners in the last couple of seasons, and hopes to ride for them again when available.”
Lyons was delighted for Murtagh.
He said: “He’s one of the best jockeys in the world, if not the best. I’m delighted for him, it’s the right time for him and I’m just thrilled for him.
“Johnny’s at his best when he’s riding the big horses. When he’s riding Group One winners he’s the best in the business. He rode me my first ever winner and he’s been brilliant for me throughout.
“I will continue to use him when he’s available and he’s still my first choice jockey when he’s available.”
A statement from Coolmore said: “Owners John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith are delighted to announce that Johnny Murtagh will be the retained jockey for their horses at Ballydoyle and elsewhere for the 2008 season.”
O’Brien said: “Johnny has already enjoyed plenty of success as part of the team at Ballydoyle and we are delighted to have him on board.”
I understand Murtagh received confirmation of the move in the last day or so, following extensive behind-the-scenes negotiations.
Murtagh replaces Kieren Fallon in the position.
In February of 2005, Fallon was appointed first jockey to Coolmore, to replace Jamie Spencer, after being head-hunted by the organisation. Hugely successful for Ballydoyle and much admired for his skills in the saddle by Aidan O’Brien, the six-times British champion was never, though, far away from controversy.
The last straw was an 18-month worldwide racing ban for reported use of cocaine, which is due to start this Saturday and will run until August 2009.
Fallon’s advisers have lodged an appeal but the verdict saw a massive shift in Irish public opinion away from Fallon.
Clearly, Coolmore-Ballydoyle felt let down, especially with the abuse of drugs in this country such a major issue.
Coolmore-Ballydoyle is a massive operation, recognised internationally as innovators and leaders in their field. Much of what has been achieved is based on maintaining enormously high standards and the fact they have finally decided to dispense with Fallon’s services is hardly a surprise. Indeed, it would have been amazing had they decided not to do so.
Murtagh, who has fought and conquered his own demons over the years, has an excellent record for Ballydoyle. He possesses an ice-cool temperament, thrives on the big occasion, and will bring with him much needed stability.
He has already won the Epsom Derby for O’Brien, scoring on High Chaparral in 2002, and the English 2000 Guineas the same year on Rock Of Gibraltar.
Last year, Murtagh enjoyed a number of high-profile successes for O’Brien, particularly with Dylan Thomas and Peeping Fawn.
He landed the King George at Ascot on Dylan Thomas and the Irish Oaks at the Curragh, the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood and the Yorkshire Oaks at York on Peeping Fawn.
