Murtagh to continue as normal

It is “business as usual” for Johnny Murtagh despite his reported split with David Loder, the jockey’s agent Ray Cochrane insisted today.

Murtagh left his native Ireland last season after weight problems prompted him to end his long-term association with John Oxx.

Since joining Loder three months ago, he has ridden seven winners from 49 rides for the Newmarket trainer.

However, speculation of a split were fuelled when Murtagh was not named for either of Loder’s two fillies in today’s Tattersalls Musidora Stakes at York today.

But Cochrane believes that Murtagh will still get plenty of rides.

“He’s a very good jockey and plenty of people have been very pleased with his riding,” he said.

“I haven’t heard a detrimental word said about him and as far as I’m concerned it’s still business as usual.

“He’s suspended tomorrow, then he’s got six rides at Salisbury on Thursday, five rides at Newbury on Friday and five on Saturday.

“He’s a very popular jockey and everybody’s happy with him.”