Lynam leads the tributes to Murtagh Eddie Lynam paid handsome tribute to Johnny Murtagh after one of the world's greatest jockeys announced he is to retire from the saddle to concentrate on his training career. Murtagh, 43, rode plenty of big winners for Lynam, including on Sole Power in the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot last year. The jockey's last ride was on the same horse in the Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin in December. "He's been a great jockey. It's a big loss to me, but we'll have to get on with it," said the County Meath handler. "I was talking to him on Monday and wished him a happy retirement. He's going to be a good trainer now, so we will have to compete against him. "He gave Sole Power a fantastic ride in the King's Stand. It was best summed up by James Willoughby that day. He said Johnny sold lengths when they were expensive and bought them when they were cheap. He gave him an extremely good ride that day. "He's ridden a lot of big winners for me over the years. His last ride was on Sole Power in Hong Kong when they finished second in a Group One. "A top man, a very good jockey and I wish him well in his retirement." Newmarket trainer Michael Bell feels indebted to Murtagh for his contribution as a rider, especially when they teamed up to land the Derby at Epsom in 2005 with Motivator. "He was a very gifted jockey. I'll be forever grateful to him for his input - not only on the racecourse but his advice having ridden work which played a huge part in Motivator's three-year-old career," he said. "It was an amazing day when we won the Derby. From my career point of view that obviously represents a high. "It was very hard for him to combine both jobs (riding and training), so I'm sure it was the sensible thing to do."
