Three-time Champion Flat Jockey Oisin Murphy is set to ride over hurdles for the first time in his career at Wincanton on Thursday and he has just just one mount at the Dorest course.
Oisin Murphy Making Hurdles Debut At Wincanton On Thursday
The multiple Group 1 winner will be partnering the Cian Collins-trained Lets Do This in the 3m 1/2f Novices’ Handicap Hurdle in his only ride of the day. It is also the first time that Collins will send a horse to Wincanton, so market support is a likelihood.
Multiple champion flat jockey Oisin Murphy will ride over hurdles for the first time at Wincanton on Thursday! pic.twitter.com/pnOmYuFzBI
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Murphy has previously stated his desire to ride over jumps and now he finally gets his chance. “I watched my uncle win Gold Cups and the Grand National and I would love the chance to do it.
“I love my showjumping, I’ve competed against Harry Skelton in the past, and if the opportunity comes up this winter I will absolutely take it.
“I’ve ridden for Nicky and Willie and other big jumps trainers on the Flat – whether they’d stick me up over jumps is another question – but it is something I want to do.”
With most flat jockeys using the winter for things like holidays or riding abroad, Murphy is taking a different approach and trying this new discipline.
The Killarney-born jockey has plenty of experience working with jumps horses through his Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning uncle, Jim Culloty who triumphed in the famous race both in the saddle and as a trainer.
Murphy was speaking after the news broke on Tuesday:
“The programme of Flat racing means it is unlikely that I will be able to ride over hurdles often, but this opportunity arose as I know the trainer and owner of Lets Do This well. It is only a fairly low-grade handicap hurdle on Thursday, so it seemed like a good place to start.
“I have been schooling horses to prepare, though have not yet ridden Lets Do This.”
He added, “It would be an amazing feeling to get a winner over jumps and I’m not looking beyond Thursday at the moment – I just hope I don’t embarrass myself.”
Oisin Murphy Rides On Thursday At Wincanton
- 2:05 – Danny Mcnab Bookmakers “National Hunt” Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (Class 5) 3m 1/2f (3m150y) – Lets Do This
Keep an eye out for the latest markets to bet on this race with the best UK betting sites ahead of Thursday’s contest.
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