Murtagh duo all set for the Cup Johnny Murtagh is happy with both of his contenders as he attempts to become the second Irish trainer to land the Emirates Melbourne Cup at Flemington on Tuesday. Dermot Weld was the first overseas handler to win Australia's greatest race when he did so with Vintage Crop 21 years ago, and he famously followed up with Media Puzzle nine years later. Murtagh saddles Mutual Regard, who put up a career-best performance to win the Ebor Handicap at York in August on his last start, and the 2012 Irish St Leger hero Royal Diamond. The former top jockey said: "The Irish have a good record in the race, so let's hope it keeps going. I wanted to get middle draws and we got six and 12, so that was good. "Mutual Regard has been in better form this year - he's the Ebor winner - but Royal Diamond has won an Irish Leger and has class on his side. He has done well since he has been down here."
