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Jonny Murtagh is to ride and be retained for The Aga Khan in Ireland next year.
From the Press Association:
Johnny Murtagh has been retained to ride all of the Aga Khan’s Irish-trained horses in 2011.
The jockey resigned from his post as stable jockey to Coolmore last week and has quickly been snapped up by the leading owner.
"I am thrilled to be renewing my association with His Highness’ horses in Ireland. We have shared some fantastic moments over the years and I have always enjoyed riding in the green and red colours," Murtagh said in a statement.
"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."The Aga Khan is planning on increasing his string with Mick Halford (where Murtagh would have ended up anyway) so this decision isn’t a huge surprise. Oxx always had tremendous time for Johnny even if he did let him down a few times – it’s a partnership that produced some great results down the years and I’m sure will again in the future.
Does this free Fran up for the Ballydoyle job though?
Fran Berry is as good as anyone riding today IMO. That he should be dislodged as No.1 for the Aga Khan is baffling.
Fran was never the Aga Khan’s retained rider. He is stable jockey to John Oxx.
Gary Carroll would have ridden most of his horses that are with Halford.
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