Oxx stands by Murtagh

Johnny Murtagh will continue to ride for trainer John Oxx for the remainder of the season – despite the jockey’s split with leading owner and breeder the Aga Khan.

Murtagh’s contract to ride the Aga Khan’s Irish-based horses was terminated last week, with the owner’s stud farm manager Pat Downes citing “differences between the parties”.

Murtagh is currently sidelined after a fall at the Curragh last month, but is set to partner the Oxx-trained Born To Sea in Saturday’s Red Mills Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.