Murtagh given Captain's armband

Jeremy Noseda has secured the services of Johnny Murtagh to ride leading fancy Captain Brilliance in the ultra-competitive Abu Dhabi International Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

Twice a winner in 2007, the four-year-old returned from almost two years on the sidelines to make a winning comeback at Headquarters in June.

He had to make do with a narrow second on his latest visit to the July course when finishing fast and late under Murtagh in the Bunbury Cup.

"He is in good order and I am happy with him," the trainer told his website, www.jeremynoseda.com.

"I hope that the ground is good or faster and that the luck is with us regarding the draw and pace bias of the race.

"Johnny Murtagh will take the ride."

Captain Brilliance is a best-priced 5-1 favourite with bet365 and William Hill for Saturday's handicap.