Cautious Murtagh sits out Down Royal

Johnny Murtagh has given up his three rides at Down Royal later today in order to make sure he is in top shape for the Ladbrokes St Leger meeting at Doncaster tomorrow.

Murtagh had a nasty fall at Dundalk on Sunday but rode at Tipperary yesterday.

However, Ballydoyle's number one jockey has decided to skip his engagements just to be on the safe side.

'I'm okay. I'm just taking the day off today because I was a bit sore after Tipperary yesterday,' said Murtagh.

'So I'm going to take it easy today to make sure I'm in top form for the weekend.'

Murtagh's rides on Saturday include Changingoftheguard in the Leger and Viscount Nelson in the DFS Champagne Stakes, both for Aidan O'Brien.

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