McDonogh freelance for 2018

Moynalty jockey Declan McDonogh will operate as a freelance in 2018 after trainer John Oxx decided not to retain a rider for next year.

McDonogh was the Irish champion jockey in 2006 and he linked up with John Oxx in 2013 after a lengthy stint with Kevin Prendergast.

Last July McDonogh partnered the Gordon Elliott-trained Beckford to win the Railway Stakes at The Curragh.

The Meath man will be heading to Australia later this month and will be returning to Ireland next February.