TAME RIVALS

‘He’s ready’ says Murphy

benchmark in this year’s race as he’s the second highest rated horse in the world.

“He’s favourite (2-1), and deserves to be, so I have the utmost respect for him.

“I hope it will be pretty simple and the best horse wins and I’m on him!”

Murphy’s golden summer continued with another Group One victory with Lightning Spear in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood.

“But, you know, I’m excited as I’m only 22 and it’s what you dream about.”

Murphy, currently second in this year’s jockeys’ title race, plays down his achievements and the focus is all about future success.

He has certainly made rapid strides since spending his formative years under the guidance of his uncle Jim Culloty, famed for his success in the three Cheltenham Gold Cups with Best Mate, but riding over jumps was never on the cards for the naturally light Murphy from Killarney.

He joined Andrew Balding’s Kingsclere stables in 2012. Balding is the go-to trainer for tutoring young jockeys with stars in their eyes. Four years ago Murphy was on the road to stardom when he became the champion apprentice. In 2016 he was snapped up as the retained rider for the Qatar Racing operation, owners of Roaring Lion.

“I want to be higher up the table than I am,” said Murphy. “I did not do very well in April and May. I just what to keep doing better. I wanted to be champion jockey this year, but I was not good enough. I’ll try for it next for year, for sure.”

Balding has no doubt he will achieve his ambition. “He’s got the right mentality to be a champion jockey,” said Balding. But at the moment Murphy will ecstatic if the Lion can again roar home with him in the saddle.