Murtagh scoops flat award at annual presentations
Bohermeen man Johnny Murtagh added another accolade to his tally when he was the winner of the Horse racing Ireland 2013 Flat Award at the annual presentations today at Leopardstown.
Murtagh, who is based at the Curragh in Kildare, rode his first winner in 1987 and was granted a trainer’s licence in May of this year.
He rode 30 winners in Ireland, from just 125 rides, while he also saddled 15 winners in his dual trainer-jockey role.
The Meath man was leading rider at Royal Ascot in June with a memorable win on Sole Power in the Kings Stand Stakes while he partnered the French-trained Chicquita to victory in the Darley Irish Oaks.
As a trainer he enjoyed big race success with both Royal Diamond and Belle De Crecy.
He partnered the Eddie Lynam-trained Sole Power to a runner-up finish behind Lord Kanaloa in the Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint yesterday.
Conall Collier