Jumping Johnny

JOHNNY MURTAGH, who scored the latest of his three Derby wins on Motivator in June, is turning his talents to jumping, having received his licence from the Irish Turf Club yesterday.

Murtagh, 35, who rode 48 winners in Britain this year, will be retained by Curragh trainer Michael Halford, who already has an arrangement with him on the Flat.

Murtagh, who hopes to ride at Naas on Saturday and at Navan the following afternoon, believes the experience will help him keep his weight down during the winter.

Halford said: ‘I’ve got eight to 10 horses for Johnny to ride, but he will also ride for other trainers. My best horse, Golden Cross, will run in the Hatton Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse on December 4 and Johnny will ride.’

Murtagh ( on Motivator, right) said: ‘I am looking forward to the new challenge. It will help keep my eye on the ball, keep me fit and should be a lot of fun. I quite fancy riding a few winners over jumps.

‘ I had a spell hurdling 10 years ago but probably wasn’t right for it then. I just think the time is right now to have a go. If I get to ride good horses I’ll go anywhere, including England.’

Murtagh would not be the first Derby-winning jockey to ride over hurdles. Foremost among them was Lester Piggott, who rode 1954 Triumph Hurdle winner Prince Charlemagne. Murtagh is already well acquainted with Golden Cross, having ridden him to victory on the Flat in the November Handicap at Leopardstown last Sunday.