Murtagh hails ‘top horse’ Abbey

Jockey Johnny Murtagh hailed St Nicholas Abbey as “potentially one of the best I’ve ever ridden” after the multiple Group One winner died on Tuesday.

The brilliant seven-year-old, winner of six races at the highest level, including three Coronation Cups at Epsom, had to be put down after he suffered another bout of colic.

Murtagh was stable jockey at Ballydoyle when St Nicholas Abbey burst onto the scene as an unbeaten two-year-old – a campaign which included a breathtaking display in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster.