MICK'S LOVE was pitched into the Epsom Derby reckoning yesterday, leaving Johnnie Murtagh to eagerly contemplate his first ride in the race.

Murtagh gets the opportunity after Mick's Love was pulled out of the French Derby at yesterday's forfeit stage.

Mick's Love will give Godolphin a strong hand in the Derby as they will also be represented by the 2,000 Guineas winner Mark Of Esteem.

Murtagh, who has ridden in Dubai the last three winters, knew he was in line for the ride when approached by Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford on Sunday.

"I was speaking to Simon Crisford about it at the Curragh and I was absolutely delighted when he told me this morning that I would be riding," he said.

Murtagh, 26, who rides for John Oxx's stable, will be tackling the tricky Epsom course for the first time.

"I don't know much about Mick's Love but I saw him win at Newmarket and he ran very well. So I'm hopeful we go there with a. very good chance," he said

"I haven't got any other rides booked at Epsom yet but I'm certainly available if anyone wants to use me. They say it's a difficult course to ride but it's the same for everyone and I'm looking forward to it very much."

Crisford insisted that the Godolphin team had no qualms about plumping for Murtagh.

"He's a top class jockey and has ridden plenty for us and Sheikh Mohammed. He's well up to the job," he said.

Originally it was thought Mick's Love would be better suited to the course and probable ground conditions at Chantilly, but Crisford said: "The owners have thought about it carefully and decided they would prefer to go to Epsom."

Godolphin may still be represented in Sundays French Derby by Don Micheletto.