Murtagh granted trainers licence Johnny Murtagh has been granted a training licence by the Turf Club. Murtagh owns the Curragh stables where Tommy Carmody is based and has been working alongside the trainer while undergoing his preparation to take out a licence. The team started out last year and sent out a number of big-race winners, including Irish St Leger winner Royal Diamond and English Leger fourth Ursa Major for owner Andrew Tinkler. The Classic-winning rider now plans to take over the running of the operation, combining his training interests with his career in the saddle. He told the Irish Times: "I finished the course and the Turf Club has granted me a licence to train. "I'm delighted to get it sorted and I think it is an added bonus that I will be able to train and ride the horses. "I accept that me training might make it difficult for some people to use my services on their horses but I am still available to whoever wants me, and that includes internationally." Murtagh will assume control of Fort Knox, who was recently purchased by Sheikh Mohammed and is a leading contender for next weekend's Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas. "I think starting out under my own name, with a Sheikh Mohammed owned horse, in a Classic, will be a good way to begin. Hopefully he will run well," Murtagh added.
