With the record prizemoney levels through the roof, making them the envy of all nations, this Spring and Melbourne Cup carnivals no doubt will attract the stars.
Certainly some terrific horses will come, but riders as well.
So it was with some amazement when I found out today, that former British Champion Apprentice, and now retained rider for the powerhouse Qatar Racing Team, Oisin Murphy, isn’t at the moment coming to Australia.
As an apprentice he did come here to expand his craft and rode 13 winners, setting him for what he has morphed into of late, one of the top 10 riders on the planet.
But the Irish-born young jockey wants to come down under.
“Yes, I’d like too, but I’m afraid I have no confirmed rides at the carnival at the moment,” he said when I asked him.
If ever an invitation was extended for any trainer of any top notch star to take him up, here’s your opportunity.
Murphy, who has already in his short career ridden 13 x Gr 1 winners and was the regular rider of superstar, but recently deceased ROARING LION, would, like any jockey, love to win a Gr 1 in Australia.
Thus far his Gr 1 victories have come in: England x 7; Ireland x 1; France x 2; Canada x 1; Dubai x 1 and Germany x 1 – that last two there being aboard Godolphin star BENBATL.
Murphy was here last year for the Gr 1 Cox Plate and was runner-up to Winx, while on Benbatl.
That day he said, “Winx was completely dominant. I gave it my best shot and so did Benbatl… I thought I’d give her a race and in fairness to him, he didn’t stop. He hit the line but she was just too good. Full credit to everyone.”
So there it is.
One of the very best riders on the planet is keen to come if anyone would lock in a ride or two for him.
