Johnny Murtagh aiming for flying start as he eyes audacious double in Dubai and Irish Lincoln at the Curragh

Johnny Murtagh aiming for flying start as he eyes audacious double in Dubai and Irish Lincoln

Johnny Murtagh: "I love this time of year, it's all very exciting"Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

It is a big weekend for Johnny Murtagh, both at home and abroad, with Ladies Church chasing big money in the Al Quoz Sprint (1.15 Saturday) on Dubai World Cup night, just a few hours before the trainer will be triple-handed in the Paddy Power Irish Lincoln (4.32).

Murtagh is bidding for back-to-back wins in the showpiece of the opening day of the Irish Flat turf season at the Curragh as favourite Raadobarg landed a plunge in the race last year under Ben Coen.

Carrytheone heads his team on Saturday and Muragh is putting up teenager Yudish Geerdharry, the 19-year-old Mauritius native who rode his fist winner at Naas in November on Wave Machine in the Birdcatcher Nursery.

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David JenningsDeputy Ireland editor

Published on 22 March 2023inIreland

Last updated 19:16, 22 March 2023

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