Johnny Murtagh at 50: I've had a great career, but I believe best is yet to come
David Jennings talks to the trainer and star jockey, who turns 50 on Thursday
Johnny Murtagh remains refreshingly honest. More so than ever, in fact. On this particular occasion, to mark his 50th birthday, he admits to making a right cock-up of the Irish 1,000 Guineas in 2003 on Six Perfections and says Know It All is the best horse he has in his yard without even being asked. If only they were all like this.
Murtagh has always been smashing company. He says what he sees. He blurts out what he thinks and, if you don't like it, lump it. Few are more comfortable in their own thoughts. He is a natural storyteller and, no matter what that yarn is, you cannot help but laugh. He has that power over you.
On request, he recounts the tale of himself and Jason Weaver at his local church one Sunday morning. As the pair made their way up to the alter for communion, Weaver frantically tries to find out what he is supposed to say to the priest. Murtagh told him "Amen", but the hushed tone made it sound like "your name". Weaver replied "Jason" to the bemused celebrant.
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Published on 13 May 2020inInterviews
Last updated 12:59, 15 May 2020
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- 'All of us who ply our trade training horses are dreamers - to put so much into it you must have a dream'
- 'There was a moment of rage - but he's a magnificent horse and it suits me that he's passed under the radar'
- When Patrick Mullins met Jack Kennedy: 'You could say I've been lucky - they're just broken bones and they heal'
- Richard Hannon: 'When you're dead and buried the only things you're remembered by are your Classic winners'
- Paul Carberry: 'I jumped up on to the rafters. It tended to be all very strait-laced in those days, but I changed that'