Johnny Murtagh has not been letting the grass grow under his feet since announcing his departure from Ballydoyle and the popular jockey has been snapped up by the Aga Khan to ride his horses in Ireland.
One of the world's leading owner/breeders, the Aga Khan retains a significant presence in horse racing Ireland with around 120 horses in the care of both John Oxx and Mick Halford. Murtagh, who enjoyed many outstanding successes when attached to Oxx's Currabeg yard for an 11-year period from 1992, seemed delighted to be going back to his roots. While working with Oxx he rode Sinndar to victories in the 2000 Epsom Derby, Irish Derby and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. His return to the red and green jacket of the Aga Khan means that Fran Berry will be replaced as number one rider to the Aga Khan after just one year in the job, something that should interest people who follow Irish horse racing tips.
Christophe Lemaire remains a retained rider for the Aga Khan's powerful French-based string, an arrangement that appears to have delighted the owner who made it clear that he believes strongly in having top jockeys to ride in specific countries.
During his first spell with Oxx, Murtagh rode 17 Group 1 winners, as well as Sindarr partnering top class performers such as Alamshar, Enzeli and Ebadiyla, to high profile successes.
No replacement for Murtagh has yet been announced by Ballydoyle, who seem in no hurry to reach a decision as to who will step into one of the most coveted jobs in world racing and join a team that provided Murtagh with a staggering 39 Group 1 wins over the last three seasons.
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