With more time on their hands than usual, stars of the weighing-room past and present have been reflecting on memorable equine partners over the years. Today, jockey-turned-trainer JOHNNY MURTAGH is in the hot seat…
Who is your favourite horse?
My favourite would have to be Sinndar (Ire) (Grand Lodge). He was my first winner of the Epsom Derby and I used to ride him out in the mornings. When you see what Sakhee (Bahri) did the following year, that kind of proves how good he was. He was only beaten once as a 3-year-old and he won two Derbys and an Arc. He wasn't flashy but he got the job done.
The best you've ridden?
I don't know where to start—sprinters, stayers, I couldn't take one over the other. I rode so many champions at different distances it's hard to pick just one.
What are you up to while racing is off?
Nothing has changed much really for me other than we're not going racing. We are working away keeping the horses exercised. I would just love a date to be aiming towards, but we're just playing it day by day and week by week. Apart from training the horses I haven't left the house in weeks.
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