Oisin Murphy, who will ride Frances Ethel in the Betway Summer Cup at Turffontein at end November, was presented with his fourth Champion Flat Jockey trophy at Ascot on Saturday as he regained the title he won in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
The 29-year-old has turned this year’s championship into a procession and ends the campaign on 163 winners, more than 50 clear of his closest challenger Rossa Ryan.
Oisin Murphy – fourth time feels as good as the first (Pic – Megan Coggin)
Highlights for the Irishman include a Gr1 double at Royal Ascot aboard Australian challenger Asfoora in the King Charles III Stakes and Khaadem in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.
Murphy finished second to William Buick in 2023, having been unable to defend his title in 2022 owing to a 14-month suspension.
Murphy said: “This is something I really tried to achieve this year. I have had great support from so many trainers and owners, and having a fair lead has meant I have been able to enjoy it over the last month or so.
“It has taken a lot of hard work from my agent [Gavin Horne]. With the one meeting a day rule, it is paramount that he chooses the correct meeting to send me to, which is not easy when there are three or four meetings. I think he has done a great job, and that has been key to me riding so many winners.
“It is high pressure, especially when you are going racing everyday with chances, which I am lucky enough to be doing. It can be frustrating if you are not winning, but thankfully I had a good Royal Ascot, Glorious Goodwood and York.
“The British weighing room is full of stars. It is one of the most, if not the most, competitive weighing rooms in the world. There are so many Group One-winning jockeys in there and many of them are young and ambitious.”
On the future, Murphy added: “There are many races that I have not won. The two standouts for me are the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and the Derby. The Arc has so much international appeal and recognition nowadays, while the Derby has so much history.”
