We are absolutely delighted to bring you an Interview with Oisín Murphy, fresh from his first UK Group 1 win on Roaring Lion.
I started with asking Oisín if he wanted to be a Jockey when he was growing up in Ireland…..
When you were younger, back in Ireland did you always want to be a jockey?.
I wanted to be a showjumper but when I was about 14, I started riding out for my uncle Jim Culloty and I knew immediately I wanted to become a flat jockey.
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Who has been an inspiration to you and did you have a racing hero, when you were younger?
Joseph O Brien, I watched his dedication and battle with scales and he was top class rider. He’s a great guy as well.
Kieran Fallon was my Idol growing up. He won all the big races and he’s a bit of national hero in Ireland.
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How did your big break come about?
I was sent to work for Andrew Balding and he gave me plenty of opportunities from the beginning.
Do you still remember your first winner?
I do indeed. Imperial Glance trained by Andrew Balding at Salisbury.
How did the tie up with Qatar Racing happen?
In my first season, Sheikh Fahad booked me to ride his horse in the apprentice race at Qipco Champions Day. Our relationship developed from then onwards.
Roaring Lion gave you your first UK Group one winner. That must have been an amazing feeling, worth every early morning in all weather’s and you dedicated the win to your family. Can you tell us what it meant to you and your family?
My parents know how much I wanted to get the monkey off my back. They’ve put me in a position to achieve something in life and I know they get great pleasure when results are going well. There also at the end of the phone when things aren’t going great, which I appreciate most of all.
Do you harbour ambitions to be Champion Jockey?
I’d love to be one day. I’ve been trying every year but I just haven’t been good enough. I’ll keep trying to improve.
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You are in a rich vein of form, is it due to riding good horses or the jockey… Or both?
I’m getting great opportunities at the moment and I’m fortunate that the stables I’m riding for are in good form. Healthy horses win races.
Having had Group winners at big meetings lately, what race would Oisín Murphy really like to win?
In Britain, the Derby
In Europe, the Arc
In America, the Kentucky Derby
In Ireland, the Irish Champion Stakes
In Australia, the Cox Plate
In Japan, Japan Cup
In Hong Kong, Standard and Chartered Cup
We would like to thank Oisín for his time and wish him every success for this season and the future. We are in no doubt that he complete his targets in the coming seasons.
Interview – Rich Williams
Pictures – The Internet except Australia & Joseph O’Brien, with thanks to JOBFS
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