Trainer Kevin Prendergast wished Declan McDonogh the best of luck after the jockey was confirmed as the Aga Khan's Irish retained rider for next season.

Prendergast and McDonogh have enjoyed a fruitful partnership for over a decade in Ireland, registering a number of Group One victories with the likes of Rebelline, Termagant, Kingsfort and the 2011 Phoenix Stakes winner La Collina.

McDonogh, champion jockey in 2006, will now largely be riding for the powerful yard of John Oxx, but Prendergast hopes he will still be available to ride for him on occasion. The County Kildare handler will not appoint a successor to McDonogh in the role of stable jockey.

Prendergast said: "It's a good job and I think Declan really deserves it. He's a fine rider and he works hard.

"He's never missed a day since he's been with me for the last 12 years or so and I hope it goes really well for him. When he's not riding for Mr Oxx, we'll use him if he's available. We also have Chris Hayes and Sam James, so we're not short in that department."

McDonogh reiterated his delighted at getting one of the most prestigious jobs in Flat racing.

"I'm really thrilled, it's a great step," he told At The Races.

"It's a fantastic yard at Mr Oxx's, it's exciting times for me and it's a privilege to be putting on those green and red silks. It's great to be part of the team and we'll see how we go. Kevin is keen to use me whenever Mr Oxx doesn't need me."

McDonogh is hoping the move will increase his prospects of being crowned champion jockey for a second time.

"You'd like to think so, maybe. It would be great," he said.

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests