Murphy set for Johnson retainer

Timmy Murphy is set to be the retained rider to champion jumps owner David Johnson for the remainder of the season.

Murphy takes the job after Tony McCoy decided to leave his post as stable jockey to Johnson’s principal trainer Martin Pipe last month.

Johnson, who owns Arkle winner Well Chief and possible Cheltenham Gold Cup hopes Our Vic and Therealbandit, underlined that the arrangement is only between Murphy and himself and does not take in the whole of Pipe’s yard.

He told the Racing Post: “I can confirm that Timmy Murphy and myself have come to a private arrangement whereby he will ride all of my horses for the rest of the season.

“But I must stress that the arrangement between us does not take in other owners at Martin’s yard, but obviously he may well ride for them in the future as well.”

Murphy has ridden for Johnson in the past and he won the Reynoldstown Chase on Our Vic in February for the owner.