Murtagh crowned champion Johnny Murtagh was confirmed as the champion jockey for 2009 after Pat Smullen failed to score on his first two rides at Dundalk tonight. With only four rides left on the card Smullen could not catch Murtagh, who held a five-race lead. It was a fourth title for Murtagh and his first for eleven years. The leading rider was at the course to celebrate his victory. "It's been nip and tuck all year with Pat. He's been champion for many years and wasn't going to give it up without a fight," said Murtagh afterwards. "He's been a great champion and to come out on top of all the jockeys riding in Ireland is very special. It's a big privilege to finish top of the pile. Ballydoyle has been a big help to me." Murtagh of course missed out on the last night and said:- "Well it's the last night and I was hoping to ride as many winners as I could. "Last year I was riding well and suspensions cost me a few winners. Thankfully it didn't cost me." Murtagh paid tribute to agent Eddie Byrne: - "I've had a lot of great rides and the main man is Eddie Byrne. "He does a great job and puts in long hours picking out the best rides. I come here every night with four or five favourites. "I'm dedicating this win to Eddie, who is a gentleman. We've had a great year." Asked about the highlights of the season Murtagh said: - "Mastercraftsman winning the Guineas and St James Palace, Rip Van Winkle winning at Goodwood "Also Yeats winning his fourth Gold Cup. That was a special day and the most nervous I've been all year. "There is also winning the Irish Derby on Fame And Glory. There are lots of great horses and highlights so it's hard to pick out one. "We've got a strong team of two-year-olds turning three and Rip Van Winkle and Fame And Glory staying in training so there is a lot to look forward to next year. The champion always felt that the title would be decided at Dundalk: - "It was always going to come down to the last six meetings here and I've been getting great rides for the likes of Ger Lyons, Michael Halford and Eoin Griffin. "I have great backing from Ballydoyle with Mr Magnier, Mr Tabor and Mr Smith. I just have to point them horses in the right direction. "I'm off to Mauritius on Sunday and then on to Hong Kong, so I'll be going up to December 13th. "It's the end of a long year and I'm looking forward to the break - I'm a bit tired. I'm looking forward to Christmas with the family." Gary Carroll was also presented with a trophy for finishing the season as runaway winner of the apprentice title. There were also presentations for the leading trainer and owner with Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern on hand to do the honours. Joseph O'Brien represented his father Aidan in lifting the trainers title while Paul Smith, son of leading owner Derek, collected his prize.
