Murtagh extends lead over Smullen
Monday, 26 October 2009 18:12Johnny Murtagh and Pat Smullen got together before racing at Leopardstown to promote the finale of the 2009 Flat Championship.
The battle is on for the professional title with Murtagh currently holding a lead of four winners over Smullen on 85 after partnering Don Carlos to victory in today's Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.
The Flat season finishes on Friday 27 November at Dundalk and there will be fitting celebrations for the last day of the campaign, including music and entertainment.
Murtagh said: 'I would love to be champion jockey again as it has been a long time since I won the title, the championship is top of my mind. I'll be going all out to win it between now and 27 November.
'I'll miss one meeting due to the Breeders' Cup. It will all be down to the last six meetings in Dundalk, each riding booking will be crucial so I'm putting the pressure on my agent Eddie Byrne - not me!'
The 2009 Horse Racing Ireland Ambassador has won the championship three times in his racing career, but the last time he held the trophy was as far back as 1998.
Smullen added: 'I think it will go all the way to the wire, both Johnny and I are out to win it. I'm a few behind Johnny now and it's not where I want to be.
'I hope to battle back and take the lead again. I say let the best man win and I hope it'll be a great end to the season, especially for me!'
