Johnny Murtagh has been crowned Ireland's champion Flat jockey.

Murtagh was receiving the accolade for the fourth time in his career - despite being banned on the final night of the season.

Although Ballydoyle's first-choice rider was not in action, nearest pursuer Pat Smullen was unable to make up the five-winner deficit from a book of seven rides at Dundalk on Friday evening.

Smullen, the 2007 and 2008 champion, knew his fate after striking out in the first two races, as Funatfuntasia was declared a non-runner in the Rostrevor Race.

Murtagh, who had previously won the title in 1995, 1996 and 1998, finished the campaign with 93 winners.

The jockey has enjoyed a fine season, having secured a number of distinguished triumphs in Ireland.

Fame And Glory's Irish Derby success spearheaded another Irish Classic-winning haul for Murtagh, who also bagged the Irish Guineas double with Mastercraftsman and Again.

The 39-year-old also won the Phoenix Stakes with Alfred Nobel, while St Nicholas Abbey claimed the Beresford Stakes.

Aidan O'Brien, responsible for the bulk of Murtagh's key big-race victories, again scooped the Irish trainers' championship.

O'Brien was securing the award for the 15th time as he cosily topped the tally of Dermot Weld - both numerically and in terms of prize-money.

Rising star Gary Carroll, who won the Ebor at York aboard Sesenta, was the runaway winner of the Irish apprentice jockeys' title.

Derrick Smith, a member of the powerful Coolmore triumvirate, came out on top in the owners' championship.

Murtagh said: "It's been nip and tuck all year with Pat. "He's been champion for many years and wasn't going to give it up without a fight.

"He's been a great champion and to come out on top of all the jockeys riding in Ireland is very special.

"It's a big privilege to finish top of the pile. Ballydoyle has been a big help to me."