Murtagh is booked for Alamshar

The question which has dominated racing this week was finally answered in the positive today when it was revealed that Johnny Murtagh will ride Alamshar in Ireland's Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday.

John Oxx's colt, having proved himself over a mile and a half by winning the Irish Derby and the King George, starts his autumn campaign back at 10-furlongs in what looks a strong contender for race of the season.

Last year's Derby hero High Chapparal is also engaged, but Alamshar is the hot favourite and Murtagh is thrilled to be aboard John Oxx's colt after returning from a break caused by weight problems and back trouble with a winner at Limerick yesterday.

He said: "I didn't expect to return so soon, but when I went back to John's yard last week the atmosphere fired me up."

Murtagh needs to reduce his weight to 8st 11lb in order to avoid putting up overweight but is confident that the introduction of a new fitness regime will help him keep within the limit.

He added: "I've been skipping, walking and swimming and so far it seems to be working well.
"I'm spending only 10 to 15 minutes a day in the sauna, though I may need a few longer sessions before Saturday."