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Interesting snippet from Pat Keane in The Examiner over the weekend…
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“THOSE persistent rumours, regarding Johnny Murtagh’s future at Ballydoyle, won’t go away.The word is that Murtagh hasn’t ridden out at Ballydoyle for many weeks, so is his time as the Ballydoyle-Coolmore number one rapidly drawing to a close?
I haven’t a clue and until someone in authority, at either Ballydoyle or Coolmore, moves to draw a line under the issue then the massive speculation will continue.
Meanwhile, apparently, Murtagh will continue as the number one in just about name only, which has to be draining his confidence and affecting the way he’s riding. Hardly fair, I would suggest.”[/b:7hv0trpa]
John Murtagh’s done a first class job at Ballydoyle, imo.
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Do you honestly think that would matter to to AOB?
AOB rightly or wrongly want’s the best available at all times and Fallon is that man.
You heard it here first ;0)
When things are not going right it is always good to have someone to blame.I always get the feeling that the Ballydoyle jockeys are riding strictly to instructions.Not good for a top class jockey who needs to be in charge during the race.Kinane got burned out following instructions.
So Fist why does he not use him instead of the B team?Fallon would be delighted to be second jockey for Ballydoyle at this stage of his career instead of Soumillon.
This rumour has been doing the rounds over here for a good few months.
Johnny has supposedly had a falling out with Aidan and hasn’t ridden out at Ballydoyle since the middle of the summer. It is believed that he is going back to ride for Mick Halford – this makes sense given that Johnny and his young family are based on the Curragh and Halford’s new yard is only a short distance away in Kildangan.
I’ve heard several names mentioned as possible replacements. Moore and Soumillon aren’t interested in basing themselves in Ireland apparently. Richard Hughes has turned them down and Fran Berry is unlikely to leave Oxx’s. Smullen is the no1 candidate because of his family connections with Aidan – Pat and Aidan are each married to a daughter of Joe Crowley, Frances and Anne-Marie. Gary Carroll is tipped to take over at Rosewell. Declan McDonogh and Wayne Lordan have been other names mentioned.
It wouldn’t surprise me if none of this materialised and Johnny was still there next year. Rumours in Irish Racing are always plentiful but it could be a case of no smoke without fire.
Do you honestly think that would matter to to AOB?
AOB rightly or wrongly want’s the best available at all times and Fallon is that man.
You heard it here first ;0)
"Get me out of here"!!
They’re pushing Joseph for the Apprentice Title because it’s likely to be the only shot he gets at it given his weight. He’ll more than likely be riding over obstacles in the future like his father, his mother and his cousin (Tom O’Brien).
Joseph getting the pick of the rides at the gaff tracks isn’t the reason for the supposed rift between Johnny and Aidan. You hardly think Johnny is that bothered with a few maiden or handicap winners around Listowel or Clonmel at this stage of his career?
He is seeking the apprentice championship with the help of Ballydoyle.Nothing wrong with that as long as he don’t cock up.He has the makings of a fine national hunt jockey. I believe he will be too big for the flat.
He gets my vote for the most rapid improvement in a jockey I’ve seen for a long time. He is seriously good now and very strong in a finish. Have a look at the ride he gave Big Occasion at the Curragh on Sunday. I reckon this will all settle down again when this season is over- Johnny would be foolish to walk away from this job.
"You hardly think Johnny is that bothered with a few maiden or handicap winners around Listowel or Clonmel at this stage of his career?"
Too bad if it is true.Can’t imagin McCoy having that attitude.What about Heffernan etc? They could use the money after all they have contributed to Ballydoyle. What has Joseph done to earn all those winners?Is all the talk about the Ballydoyle team just that.Talk?How about the other apprentices? Sean Levey is a brilliant jockey deserving some of the rides that Joseph gets.Tom Queally left because he saw no future there. Look at him now,riding the best horses in the world. Barney Curley needs to talk to Levey.O Brien falls out with all his jockeys. Geting a bit like Vincent that way.
Smullen wouldn’t be far away from the job at this moment in time especially being in laws to Ann Marie O Brien
Ballydoyle is not about the O’Briens. It is about Aidan and Coolmore.That needs to be cleared up.Can you imagin telling Tabor that "we are hiring the brother-in-law" instead of "we are hiring the best jockey available".As the man said "that dog won’t hunt"
Don’t underestimate the faith that Magnier, Tabor and Smith have in Aidan. They’ll stand by Aidan through thick and thin but they’re not so loyal when it comes to jockeys. I’ve heard many times down the years that David Wachman will take over from Aidan but it won’t happen despite the fact that he’s Magnier’s son in law.
Aidan calls the shots when it comes to riding arrangements at Ballydoyle and the three Coolmore lads stand by his decisions. They stood by him when Kinane left and when Fallon exhausted their patience. Magnier was even willing to accept Aidan’s judgement when his own godson (Jamie Spencer) couldn’t cut it.
They will remain loyal to Aidan no matter what happens with Johnny.
I agree with the loyalty thing but I still think the family thing could be a problem.The question is if not Murtagh who? First Kinane,then Spencer,Fallon and now Murtagh,Queally left the yard to find his fortune,Hughesie is tied up. That leaves a very small pond to fish in.How about Cathy Gannon?
Are you off your rocker Andyod ??? Cathy Gannon?
I don’t know why Pat Keane wrote that article, he says nothing in it and at the same time gives out a vibe that there might be unrest in the camp
Murtagh only ever rode out a couple of mornings a week at Ballydoyle at any given time from what I understand,but maybe someone here knows more ?
There has abeen no discernible ”rift” evident in the paddock between O’Brien (or the owners) and Murtagh by most accounts. He is a top rider, still young enough to go on for several more yearsAs for that wild card Aidan O’Brien…..Kinane was shipped out for Spencer, who simply didn’t have the mental skills for the job at the time, and Fallons job had become untenable
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