Soumillon new favourite to replace Murtagh

THE news yesterday that Pat Smullen has committed to Rosewell House and Dermot Weld for next season has seen Paddy Power install Christophe Soumillon as the new market-leader to replace Johnny Murtagh at Ballydoyle in 2011.

Smullen, 33, was installed as favourite to succeed Murtagh as number one to Aidan O’Brien and the Coolmore horses following Murtagh’s surprise statement on Monday.

However, Smullen, Ireland’s champion rider, is to remain as stable jockey to Dermot Weld.