Oisin Murphy was crowned 2019 Champion Flat Jockey for the first time when the Championship concluded on QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot Racecourse, Saturday 19th October 2019.
The 24-year-old became the youngest Champion Flat Jockey in 13 years since Ryan Moore secured the prestigious title at the age of 23 back in 2006.
Murphy’s incredible tally of 168 wins in the campaign eclipses his previous season best of 120 and is the highest total since the 208 wins recorded by Richard Hughes in his 2013 title winning season.
To mark his maiden title, Great British Racing has produced a two-part video series, Oisin Murphy: Born to Win to tell the story of the 2019 Champion Flat Jockey’s journey from an aspiring young rider from Ireland to the outstanding champion of his trade.
Episode 1 is set in his hometown of Killarney, Ireland and features his mother (Maria Culloty) who reveals the story of Oisin’s premature birth and how his famous racing uncle, Jim Culloty, led Murphy to fall in love with the sport:
Episode 2 focuses on Oisin’s move to England and Andrew Balding’s yard in Kingsclere, which didn’t get off to the best of starts. However, his hard work and determination has led him to become retained rider for Qatar Racing, and now on the verge of being crowned 2019 Champion Flat Jockey:
Videos courtesy of QIPCO British Champions Day.
On the prospect of being crowned Champion Flat Jockey, Murphy said: “I’ve always wanted to be Champion Jockey, although I never thought I’d be in the position I am now. Some of the trainers who have been my biggest supporters, the likes of Andrew Balding, Archie Watson, Ed Walker, and Hughie Morrison have enjoyed good seasons which has been a massive help.
“Sheikh Fahad encouraged me to go for it, and I’ve got a good team behind me – my agent, form adviser, driver, my family and friends who have had to put up with me. I’ve given it everything.”
Talking about his highlights this season, Murphy said: “Deirdre’s success in the Qatar Nassau Stakes was phenomenal. It was nice to get the call-up for several big winners during the year I rode three Group 2 winners for Richard Hannon and of course Veracious for Sir Michael Stoute in the Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes.”
Murphy also enjoyed success with long-term partner Benbatl in the Shadwell Joel Stakes at Newmarket in September.
Murphy has had a total of 854 rides this season with a strike-rate of 20%, earning over £3.5 million in prize money. His most successful trainer partnership has been with Andrew Balding – securing 35 victories together – and his top performing racecourse has been Kempton where he has enjoyed 29 wins. In total, Murphy has secured nine UK Group victories during the campaign.
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