Injured Murtagh May Return to Ride Alamshar

Irish jockey Johnny Murtagh, who recently stopped riding to combat weight problems and get over a back injury, could return to the saddle Wednesday and be back aboard Alamshar for the Ireland The Food Island Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday.

One of the leading big race riders in Great Britain during the past few years, Murtagh was thrown from a horse at Royal Ascot. He announced he was taking a break prior to the recent York Ebor meeting.

Murtagh said he may return with one ride for his trainer John Oxx at Limerick on Wednesday, and could possibly ride Alamshar if he does make his mid-week appearance.

Oxx told the Racing Post Sunday afternoon: "Johnny Murtagh is fit and well and intending to be back in action at Limerick. He's not going to kill himself to get his weight down. We just have to see how that goes. He's in good shape, though, and as regards the weekend and the Champion Stakes, we'll just have to wait and see. Christophe Soumillon is chalked up and waiting in the wings if required."