Six-time British classic winner Johnny Murtagh has announced that he is to step down from the saddle to concentrate on his training career.
The 43-year-old, who was crowned Irish champion jockey on five occasions, is considered to be one of the most decorated riders of the last 20 years.
He rode Sinndar, High Chaparral, and Motivator to Epsom Derby victories, was twice successful in the 2000 Guineas aboard Rock Of Gibraltar and Henrythenavigator, and was also prolific on home turf, winning all of the Irish classics at least once. But he now wants to put all of his energy into his role as a trainer.
He told PA: "The training side of things is getting bigger all the time and I wasn't happy giving the riding 50% and the training 50%.
"It's the right time to call it a day with the riding and put everything into the training side of things."
Murtagh rode over 100 Group One winners and was the leading rider at Royal Ascot on five occasions.
Joe Fish
