Murtagh excels on Royal Diamond to make it the best day of his career

A delighted Johnny Murtagh with Royal Diamond after their QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup triumph, with owner Andrew Tinkler on the left. Image courtesy of racingfotos.com.

It was not the opening to QIPCO British Champions Day that many had hoped for, with The Queen’s Estimate beaten fair and square, but for the man of the moment, Johnny Murtagh, it was a day to savour.

He trains and rides Royal Diamond and was concerned beforehand as to whether his charge would stay two miles on soft ground as his best performances had been over a mile and three-quarters, notably when winning last year’s Irish St Leger.

Held up towards the rear, he made his move in the straight and headed the front-running Harris Tweed, who ran an absolute blinder for trainer William Haggas and jockey George Baker, in the very last stride to win by the narrowest of margins – a nose.

You had to feel sorry for Harris Tweed, but it was an inspired ride by Murtagh, who has had a brilliant season at Ascot this year, winning amongst other races the King’s Stand Stakes on Sole Power and the Betfair King George on Novellist.

Eye Of The Storm ran very well to claim third for trainer Aidan O’Brien, but Estimate, unbeaten in three starts at Ascot, including the Gold Cup, was never really in contention.

Held up by jockey Ryan Moore, she tried to make a challenge in the straight but could not pick up and though she was only beaten little more than a couple of lengths, she had to settle for seventh place with Pale Mimosa, Saddler’s Rock and Biographer also just in front of her.

Murtagh said: "I think that this is the best day of my life.

"I can’t thank everybody enough for giving me the horses.

"I’ve got wonderful staff, a great wife and lovely kids – God is good!

"It’s been an amazing year for me – I really don’t know what to say.

"He has been a brilliant horse from day one and I am just privileged to ride so many great horses.

"It’s all about my staff and my team – they are wonderful.

"I knew I’d won as soon as we reached the line. The horse is all heart."

Reflecting on his dual role as jockey and trainer, Murtagh said: "I wouldn’t have taken it on if I didn’t think I could do it, and do it well.

"We have a good system at home, and today proves that I’m able to train and ride.

"The pace was slow and he was tanking along, but when they quickened up three furlongs out he responded very well and just got there on the line.

"It’s a special day and I’m so grateful to so many people. You need good staff, good riders and my wife works in the office – it’s a huge effort on their part.

"Royal Diamond is all heart and all guts – he’s proved he stays today, so next year you could see more."