Star Irish jockey Johnny Murtagh has been granted a trainers' licence by the Turf Club and intends to combine training with his already hugely successful riding career.
Up to now, Tommy Carmody has held the training licence at the Curragh stables that are owned by Murtagh and which have become increasingly influential in association with English owner Andrew Tinkler.
Carmody has been officially responsible for training an impressive stream of winners since the new team began operating at the start of 2012, including Royal Diamond’s memorable Irish St Leger triumph last season.
However Murtagh has confirmed he has completed the second part of a required trainers course at the Turf Club and will now officially take over the running of the operation.
“I finished the course today and the Turf Club has granted me a licence to train. I’m delighted to get it sorted and I think it is an added bonus that I will be able to train and ride the horses,” he said ahead of flying to Singapore for a Group One ride on Balmont Mast this Sunday.
Murtagh stressed he has no intention of winding down a riding career that has seen him win every Irish classic at least once and which includes a trio of wins in the Epsom Derby and a success on Sinndar in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
“I accept that me training might make it difficult for some people to use my services on their horses but I am still available to whoever wants me, and that includes internationally,” he said.
Recently Sheikh Mohammed purchased the Murtagh trained Fort Knox who is being targeted at next weekend’s Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh.
“I think starting out under my own name, with a Sheikh Mohammed owned horse, in a classic, will be a good way to begin. Hopefully he will run well,” the Irishman, who was 43 earlier this month, said.
