Murtagh receives Aga Khan boost

Bohermeen jocley Johnny Murtagh received a boost on Monday with the news that has been retained to ride all the horses owned by the Aga Khan in Ireland next season. The arrangement will give Murtagh, who last week resigned from his stable jockey position with Ballydoyle trainer Aidan O'Brien, access to 120 horses the owner has with John Oxx and Michael Halford. Murtagh will be renewing his association with Oxx, for whom he rode the Aga Khan's Derby, Irish Derby and Arc winner Sinndar during his time as stable jockey to the trainer from 1992 to 2003, when he rode 18 Group 1 winners for the Aga Khan. Murtagh returned from the Breeders' Cup last week to announce he would not be continuing his successful association with the Ballydoyle operation, although he has not explained the reasons behind his decision to end the link. Of his new job he said “I am thrilled to be renewing my association with His Highness's horses in Ireland. We have shared some fantastic moments over the years and I have always enjoyed riding in the green and red colours. “This will also give me an opportunity to ride for John Oxx again. I started off riding for Mr Oxx and it has always been a pleasure to be part of his Currabeg team.†Before signing off with the Ballydoyle team Murtagh showed what the Tipperary-based outfit will be missing when he rode Recital to victory in the group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud in France at the weekend. Anchored towards the rear of the field early on, the Montjeu colt slowly warmed to his task before being delivered with a decisive late burst under his wise jockey's urgings. Recital was giving O'Brien a fourth Criterium success in the last 10 years.