Link to Carmody stable may have cost Murtagh Aga Khan job

Mystery surrounds the termination yesterday of Johnny Murtagh’s contract as retained jockey for the Aga Khan’s Irish-trained horses.

The 42-year-old was offered the role in November 2010, after resigning as stable jockey to Coolmore and few details were released as to the reason for his departure.

A statement issued by Murtagh yesterday read: “I was informed yesterday afternoon that my contract to ride for His Highness, the Aga Khan, was being terminated with immediate effect.