Smullen favoured to replace Murtagh at Ballydoyle

JOHNNY MURTAGH yesterday ended months of speculation when resigning as stable jockey to Ballydoyle-Coolmore.

Murtagh issued a statement through his agent, Eddie Byrne, which said: “Johnny has spoken today to Mr John Magnier, Mr Derrick Smith, Mr Michael Tabor and Mr Aidan O’Brien and informed them he will not be renewing his contract to ride as stable jockey to Ballydoyle-Coolmore for next season, 2011.

“He would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Magnier, Mr Smith, Mr Tabor and Mr O’Brien for the wonderful and successful three years they had together and to wish all of them and their families every success in the future.