O'Regan lands Johnson job

Denis O’Regan will be moving across the Irish Sea to take up the job as stable jockey to trainer Howard Johnson later in the year.

He will take over the reins from Paddy Brennan, who left the position after a single season despite winning the Ladbrokes World Hurdle aboard the Graham Wylie-owned Inglis Drever.

Explaining the terms, O’Regan said: “I’ve signed a three-year contract to ride for Mr Johnson and will be going over there shortly after the Galway Festival.

“I’m looking forward to the move, as there are plenty of good horses in the yard. It’s a big challenge.”

While O’Regan will soon be primarily based in the north of England, he expects to be in action in his home country too.

“Richard Hale will be my agent in Britain but Ciaran O’Toole will still be my agent in Ireland. I hope to get back to ride in Ireland whenever possible,” he told the Racing Post.

“I’d like to thank all those owners trainers who have supported me and I hope to maintain the contacts I’ve made over the past few years.”