Derby-winning rider Johnny Murtagh today confirmed that he will ride for David Loder next season.
Murtagh left his role as first jockey to John Oxx at the end of last season, having struggled with his weight as a result of a back injury he picked up at Royal Ascot.
Speaking from his Kildare home, he said: "I will continue to be based in Ireland, but have agreed with Mr Loder that I will ride for him when I am available."
Murtagh intends to ride freelance in Ireland and travel to Britain and back in a similar way to Ruby Walsh, who rides for Paul Nicholls in the jumps season.
The rider has enjoyed tremendous success over the last few seasons, partnering both Sinndar (2000) and High Chaparral (2002) to success in the Vodafone Derby.
He also rode Sinndar to victory in the Irish Derby and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe that year and partnered Rock Of Gibraltar to glory in the 2000 Guineas in 2002.
Last season he won the Irish Derby and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes on Oxx's Alamshar.