McDonogh's just focusing on now

Jamie Spencer's lengthy suspension has robbed the jockeys championship in Britain of much of its interest but there is no such problem in Ireland as the in-form Declan McDonogh rapidly closes in on current leader John Murtagh.

McDonogh, who rides his Royal Ascot winner Elhamri in the Weatherbys Super Sprint at Newbury today, is enjoying his best ever season and is currently on the 43 winner mark, just five behind Murtagh.

That gap could close even further with McDonogh's impressive book of six rides at Fairyhouse tomorrow but the 27-year-old former star apprentice is not thinking too far ahead about a possible first senior title.

"It's still early stages, we're only at halfway in the season, so I'm not worrying about it too much. But if we come to Listowel and I'm still there with a chance, I'll be thinking again," he said yesterday.

"I'm not doing anything different but the boss (Kevin Prendergast) has been in great form and there is a good bunch of horses who are running well. So far it has definitely been the best season I've had so far," McDonogh added.

However, a McDonogh treble at Leopardstown on Wednesday has reawakened interest in betting on the outcome of the title race and Murtagh is now available at 4 to 5 with Paddy Power having been as short as 2 to 5 just some weeks ago.

Cashmans rate McDonogh a 9 to 4 shot to overtake Murtagh and their spokesman Joseph Burke said yesterday: "It has opened up again with McDonogh not far off and Pat Smullen not far away either."

Triple champion Smullen has 37 winners for the season so far but rides in Chicago tonight on board Dermot Weld's Golden Arrow.