Murtagh earns O'Brien praise Aidan O'Brien has described Johnny Murtagh as a "wonderful rider" following the jockey's retirement from the saddle. Murtagh, who will now focus on his fledgling training career, spent three seasons as stable jockey to Aidan O'Brien's powerful Ballydoyle operation between 2008 and 2010, riding numerous Group One winners. The 43-year-old partnered such greats as Henrythenavigator, Duke Of Marmalade, Dylan Thomas and the incredible Yeats to big-race successes for the powerful team and O'Brien has paid tribute to Murtagh. He told Press Association Sport: "Johnny was a wonderful rider and we had great years together when he rode for us. "He will be a great trainer and we would like to wish him, Orla (Murtagh's wife) and all the family every success in the future."
