Johnny come lately? No, Murtagh’s proved he’s now the real deal
Johnny Murtagh has loved plundering prestigious prizes on his raids to Britain this season.
Now he’s after Group One glory in the Cazoo St Leger with the rapidly-progressive Ottoman Emperor.
One of the best big-race jockeys in the world for two decades, Murtagh has gradually raised the quantity and quality of his string in eight years as a trainer.
That became more evident this summer on UK shores after the Curragh maestro trained his first Royal Ascot winner, with Create Belief in the Sandringham Handicap.
Last month he took the Ebor at York for the second time as Sonnyboyliston landed a knockout against all fancied British hopes.
Murtagh’s first Glorious Goodwood success came thanks to Ottoman Emperor’s game victory in the Gordon Stakes.
That solid Group Three form over
1m 4f persuaded connections to head two furlongs up in trip to the world’s oldest Classic at Doncaster on Saturday.
The Excelebration colt showed battling qualities when racking up a hat-trick on home soil, before taking the class hike in style at the Sussex venue.
Under 19-year-old riding star, Ben Coen, he saw off two of Aidan O’brien’s St Leger contenders, Sir Lucan and Wordsworth, the Derby fifth Third Realm plus solid yardstick, Youth Spirit.
Murtagh’s charge has greater scope for improvement than those rivals.
At 7/1, he rates a good each-way option to 8/11 favourite, Hurricane Lane.
The Godolphin operation, successful six times in the race, rely solely on their French and Irish Derby hero – a clue in itself.
The son of Frankel’s only defeat came in the Derby, behind stablemate and subsequent King George winner, Adayar.
The horse splitting those colts at 50/1, Mojo Star, is expected to renew rivalry after shedding his maiden tag at Newbury.
But Murtagh’s magic touch on British soil when targeting top races is proving hard to ignore.