Racing Post reporting that Johnny Murtagh's contract with the Aga Khan has been terminated by the owner/breeder with immediate effect. wonder what has gone on ? what now for Mr Murtagh ? I rate him as one of the best around - would love him to ride for Ballydoyle again but can't see that happening.
He's missed a fair bit of time with injury hasn't he? Maybe HRH think's he's a bit of a "sick note" and wants someone younger? Agree he is a top jockey
Odddy hardly his fault he got his jaw smashed up Red - surely he will not ride for Oxx as most of his better horses Aga Khan owned.
Would love to see him ride in the UK but what yards are there? Would love to see him join a talented litle yard like Roger Varian but in reality he wont. There are not enough big freelance rides available surely? Would Godolphin be interested?
I think he would be a great freelance as many of the big yards will be represented at two meetings and he would be sought out by many trainers without a retained jockey also.
The decision doesn't surprise me and I have to conclude that a man like the Aga Khan is unhappy with his performance. I've always liked him as a jockey, but I think he has deteriorated recently. He's been found wanting at the gate, especially in sprints- Society Rock and Ahern were both very badly away at Royal Ascot- and could have won with good starts. He seems to spend quite a bit of time weaving around- looking for an opening, and very often he's forced to 'drop his mount in,' simply because he's not had a good start. Doubtless he'll pick up some good freelance rides, but I don't think he'll acquire another top retainer.
When did he last mess up in a big race in the Aga Khan silks ? I seem to remember him winning a Group 1 on his outsider in France not long ago.
What about Richard Fahey? They could be a formidable partnership. I believe that Tony Hamilton is current leading jockey, so possibly Murtagh could take over?
The legend of the airwaves ‘Big’ Alan Brazil was talking to a correspondent this morning re the split/sacking (delete as appropriate) who said that old boy Aga had a hissy fit at the weekend following the running of the Group 3 ‘Irish St Leger Trial’. His Hartani was beaten into 2nd place by Thomas Carmody’s Ursa Major. Carmody is Murtagh’s tenant and Murtagh is very hands on in the yard and regularly passes on advice and offers guidance. Apparently, after this result old boy Aga was of the opinion that why are we paying this chap a small fortune of a retainer when he then goes and helps the opposition!
To be honest when you watch that race Hartani is just beaten by the better horse on the day. Simple to say as he came 2nd obviously but Ursa Major was only given one whip inside the last furlong compared to vigorous riding from Smullen on Hartani... Sounds like a bit of an excuse to me to move him on... As you say SBC he has thrown a hissy fit...
That is a surprise tbh. The sort of petulant behaviour one frequently associates with Sheikh Mohammed but not the Aga Khan.
