The British bookmaking establishment is seldom wrong in such matters. I am referring to John Murtagh’s ascension and anointing as Ballydoyle’s number one jockey. William Hill had shortened the odds on John Murtagh to 4-6. The widely anticipated announcement has come to pass.

At 37, John Murtagh will now occupy the throne vacated by Kieren Fallon. The list of Fallon’s travails was getting longer and the straw that broke the camel’s back came in the form of the 18-month ban imposed by France-Galop. With so much at stake and a slew of prestigious races around the world, the Coolmore bosses needed stability and a jockey free from being preoccupied with seemingly endless personal problems. John Murtagh fit the bill.

In 2007, John Murtagh rode often for Aidan O’Brien. Murtagh won a total of 11 Group races for O’Brien. Dylan Thomas in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes was one of Murtagh’s more important victories. He partnered the incomparable Peeping Fawn in three major wins.

Aidan O’Brien said, “As everybody knows, Johnny rode a lot for us last year. We are delighted he has agreed to become part of the team.”

John Murtagh’s resume is impressive and he has won every major race in the world. He has been the Irish champion jockey three times. He has won two Breeders’ Cup races. He has won the Irish Derby twice. In 2003, he rode Alamshar to victory over Dalakhani and the latter went on to win the Arc. Sinndaar was Murtagh’s only Arc winner in 2000. Two Epsom Derby wins are part of Murtagh’s list. In 2005, he was aboard Motivator who raced to a five-length win at Epsom Downs.

“I’m over the moon,” John Murtagh exulted. “This is a great opportunity and am looking forward to riding for the Coolmore team. I am 37 and my best years are ahead of me.”

“I will be in Dubai until World Cup day and end of March I will be heading home,” Murtagh added.

William Hill has made John Murtagh the 6-4 choice to win the Irish riding title in 2008. You can take 5-4 that Murtagh does not win a Classic. Hill offer evens that John Murtagh will win one Classic. There is a generous offer of 5-1 that Murtagh will win two or more Classics.

John Murtagh has battled weight and alcohol problems over the years. At the end of 2003, a partnership between Murtagh and trainer John Oxx ended. In every tough situation, John Murtagh has shown exceptional resolve and excellent judgement.

Here is news from the United States. Barbaro’s ashes will be interred at Churchill Downs. After his sparkling Derby win, Barbaro suffered a career-ending injury which eventually led to laminitis. Barbaro was euthanized.

Gretchen and Roy Jackson, owners of Barbaro, have decided to put up a statue of Barbaro at the grave site. “I think it is appropriate. It is the place he ran his greatest race and where the public can come to pay respects,” Mr Jackson stated.

Four other Derby winners are buried at Churchill Downs. They are Broker’s Tip, Carry Back, Sunny’s Halo and Swaps.

Sources: Racing Post and others