Murtagh joins Halford

RACING: The former champion jockey John Murtagh will link up with Curragh trainer Michael Halford in the upcoming flat season which starts in March.

Murtagh, who enjoyed considerable success in Britain last year, will start riding out for Halford on Monday morning and will ride that trainer's horses when he is not committed in the UK.

"It's an understanding between us at the moment. We will see how we get on but I am more than happy to have him. It will be exciting to have the benefit of his experience," said Halford yesterday.

He added: "I believe he wants to ride in Ireland a little more this year but he will ride for us when his commitments in England allow. He starts riding out on Monday and will ride out six days a week. I just hope between us we come up with a good one!"

Murtagh rode the Halford-trained Tipperary All-Star to a Stakes success at the Curragh last year.

Other flat racing news yesterday centred on the promotion to Group Three status of the Leopardstown 1,000 and 2,000 Trials by the European Pattern Committee.

A Horse Racing Ireland spokesman said: "This reflects the quality and strength in depth of the Irish horse population. These have become well established trials for both the Newmarket and Irish Guineas featuring recent Group One performers like Grey Swallow and Refuse To Bend."

Timmy Murphy achieved 100 winners for the season when partnering Sixo to victory at Chepstow yesterday. Sent off the 6 to 4 favourite and making his debut over fences, the Martin Pipe-trained grey was kept at the rear by Murphy during the opening stages of the Sporting Index Beginners' Chase but had plenty in reserve, running on to score by three lengths from Sonnant