Who will it be?

By Caitriona Fenton

Following Monday’s surprise announcement that 40 year old Johnny Murtagh is to resign as the Coolmore stable jockey it has been a game of speculation. Who will be the next big thing? Will they have as much success as Murtagh? And will they forge a good partnership with Aidan O’Brien?

Like any good reality show, there is a list of ‘contestants’ for the hallowed job. It reads as a “who’s who” of the leading flat jockeys in the world. Up until yesterday Pat Smullen the four-time Irish champion jockey was the hot favourite at 6/4 to land the job, however he has now taken himself out of the running.

Reports have quoted him as saying “I’ve got a very good job and I ride for some very good owners so I’m happy where I am” referring to his job as stable jockey to Dermot Weld.

So now that Smullen is out of the running who is next on the list? According to Paddy Power it is Christophe Soumillon at 5/4.

The 29 year old Belgian jockey has amassed a great career worldwide and is currently retained there by the Wildenstein family. A former French champion jockey, he has won two l’Arc de Triomphes, (Dalakhani in 2003 and Zarkava in 2008), also an Irish Oaks in 2005 aboard Shawanda and a King George on Hurricane Run in 2006. He is well accustomed to the pressures associated with a leading stable and is a strong rider with a unique style and a cultivated attitude to match.

Soumillon aside, let’s have a look at the other contestants:

Kieran Fallon (2/1)

Fallon is no stranger to the Ballydoyle position having held it from 2005 until 2008 when he received an 18 month riding ban. His experience is an obvious advantage however given his troubled past he does not jump out as the best replacement. He is still a front-runner though as his successes cannot be argued with.

Notable wins include the Derby in 1999, 2003 and 2004 (Oath, Kris Kin, and North Light), The Irish Derby in 2005 on Hurricane Run and in 2006 on Dylan Thomas. He also partnered Dylan Thomas to land the Irish Champion stakes in 2006 and 2007. Fallon has won the 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas four times. There is no denying he is top-class.

Colm O’Donoghue (9/2)

O’Donoghue was no doubt a very able deputy to Murtagh over the years. Proof of this includes his great win on Joshua Tree in the Canadian International last month. He has risen up the ranks from an apprentice rider at Ballydoyle and is an integral part of the team there. Last year he amassed winnings of over €1 million.

Ryan Moore 8/1

Retained by Sir Michael Stoute, Moore was Apprentice Jockey of the Year in 2003. He then graduated to claim the title of Flat Jockey of the Year in 2006, 2008 and 2009. He has a track record with O’Brien having won the Dewhurst on Beethoven last year.

William Buick 10/1

This winning jockey of the St.Leger and former champion apprentice is yet to ride a big winner in Ireland. He is currently stable jockey to John Gosden and with no previous rides for Ballydoyle he seems to be an unlikely contender.

There are so many factors that will play a part in deciding which jockey will suit the role best. Of course they will have to gel with Aidan O’Brien and the owners, they will also have to be comfortable with the presence of an up-and coming youngster, Joseph O’Brien who has been making a name for himself in the Ballydoyle operation, landing rides on some of the best horses.

Reports have speculated that his presence may have had something to do with Murtagh’s decision to leave. Whether this is true or not the new stable jockey will have to come to terms with the fact that Joseph might take the lead one day, and it might be sooner than later!

By Caitriona Fenton