Why mature Murtagh is finally at peace with himself

JOHNNY MURTAGH has the dream job in flat racing, his life is no longer in turmoil and he now has the additional honour of being an ambassador for Irish racing.

To say that the 39-year-old has been to the brink and back would be an understatement. But he has matured into a man who appreciates that his talent, his family life, his mistakes and his success, have made him what he is. He is at peace with himself and is proving a stellar representative for his sport.

Today Murtagh is focusing on what he does best – winning big races. And, having chosen to ride English 2,000 Guineas third Rip Van Winkle in the Epsom Derby, he reflects on how his career is going at the all-powerful Aidan O’Brien stable.