Murtagh Pair on course for Melbourne Johnny Murtagh intends to train Royal Diamond and Mutual Regard for the Emirates Melbourne Cup, according to owner Andrew Tinkler. Although Murtagh was initially cool on sending Royal Diamond to Australia after he could only finish sixth in the Irish St Leger, the eight-year-old stayer has now been confirmed as a potential candidate for the Flemington showpiece on November 4. Mutual Regard has long been considered a realistic Melbourne contender since he claimed the Betfred Ebor at York on August 23. Tinkler tweeted: "Royal Diamond to take his chance in the Melbourne Cup 2014 with stablemate Mutual Regard. We look forward to our visit to Melbourne." Royal Diamond was assigned 55.5 kilograms when the weights for the Melbourne Cup were released last week, while Mutual Regard was given 55kg
