Murtagh lands Ballydoyle job

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Arc winner Murtagh's success at the highest level and previous association with O'Brien had made him the overwhelming favourite for the job.

He won the 2002 Derby on High Chaparral and, last summer, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes on Dylan Thomas and three Group Ones on super filly Peeping Fawn, who remains in training.

O'Brien said: 'Johnny has already enjoyed plenty of success as part of the team at Ballydoyle. We are delighted to have him on board.'

Murtagh, a three-time Irish champion, is currently in Dubai. He said: 'I am over the moon. It is great opportunity and I am really looking forward to riding for the stable.

'I am 37 now and my best years lie ahead of me.'

Murtagh's career has had its setbacks and he has conquered drink and weight problems. But his new employers clearly believe he is a far safer pair of hands than his brilliant but erratic predecessor.

Fallon's Coolmore Stud employers had loyally stood by him while he beat race-fixing charges but his exit was sealed by his 18-month ban for failing a second drug test in France in August.

His future is now uncertain but he will be riding out at Willie McKay's Doncaster stable later this week. He has accepted an invitation from the football agent and owner to help assess the horses in his string.