Multiple group 1 jockey Jonny Murtagh, sensationally resigned from his post as stable jockey of Ballydoyle, and their owners Coolmore racing, the breeding operation behind Ballydoyle's famous success, amid controversy surrounding a potential bust up with the operation's principle trainer Aidan O 'Brien. Murtagh famously was champion jockey at Royal Ascot in 2008 and 2009, leading Yeats to 2 of his record breaking 4 straight gold cup wins, as well as sensationally winning the King George in the same year, fighting back with The Duke of Marmalade. Now that he has gone however, the puzzle of his replacement now begins.
Kieren Fallon was riding sporadically for them early in the season including Viscount Nelson in the Prix Du Jockey Club, and previously held the role for 3 years, having tremendous success, however left amid controversy the day he won Europe's most prestigious race the Arc De Triomphe on Dylan Thomas in 2007, when he failed a drug test, and the very next was handed an 18 months ban. During his spell, he also had to fight off claims off race fixing and constant claims regarding his private life.
The more appealing decision with the stables powerful owners, could be flirting with the international jockeys, increasing the worldwide presence of the stable, that has been lacking in the last 2 years. The most high profile freelance jockeys are currently Belgian born, French based Cristophe Soumillion, who won the King George aboard Hurricane Run. The other alternative is Olivier Peslier, who is one of the most in demand jockeys, after his success on champion miler Goldikova, and aboard Harbinger in this years King George.
The riskier option lies in staying closer to home, and try and poach one of Ireland's up and coming jockeys? Declan McDonagh, Fran Berry have both shown tremendous promise in 2010 with their respective stables, who have less fire-power in churning out horses like the Coolmore assembly line.
Or stay loyal to one of the current 'second string' jockeys at Ballydoyle? Colm O' Donoghue got the ride on duel group 1 winning sprinter Starspangledbanner when J. Murtagh stayed in Ireland to ride Rip Van Winkle in the Irish Champion Stakes, whereas Seamy Heffernan seems to be even lower down the pecking order.
A dark horse could be Richard Hughes, who has a simply outstanding year, finishing a close fought second in the British Jockey's Championship. Although he may not want the hassle and pressure, especially with a young, settled family, which would also rule out the new champion jockey Paul Hanagan.
Given Fallon's record with his former employers when stable jockey between 2005-2007, when he won an amazing group 1 races, including the 2000 guineas and the Arc de Triomphe, he is widely expected to be a short term answer to the stable's problems, and is considered to be somewhat of a reformed character, staying out of the limelight since his return in September 2009.
The riskier option lies in staying closer to home, and try and poach one of Ireland's up and coming jockeys? Declan McDonagh, Fran Berry have both shown tremendous promise in 2010 with their respective stables, who have less fire-power in churning out horses like the Coolmore assembly line.
Or stay loyal to one of the current 'second string' jockeys at Ballydoyle? Colm O' Donoghue got the ride on duel group 1 winning sprinter Starspangledbanner when J. Murtagh stayed in Ireland to ride Rip Van Winkle in the Irish Champion Stakes, whereas Seamy Heffernan seems to be even lower down the pecking order.
A dark horse could be Richard Hughes, who has a simply outstanding year, finishing a close fought second in the British Jockey's Championship. Although he may not want the hassle and pressure, especially with a young, settled family, which would also rule out the new champion jockey Paul Hanagan.
Given Fallon's record with his former employers when stable jockey between 2005-2007, when he won an amazing group 1 races, including the 2000 guineas and the Arc de Triomphe, he is widely expected to be a short term answer to the stable's problems, and is considered to be somewhat of a reformed character, staying out of the limelight since his return in September 2009.
Jack Milner 9/11/10
