It’s every jockey’s dream to win a Classic..and I’ve a big chance on the biggest stage

FOR a young jockey in search of a first top-level victory in Britain, Derby day is a good time to start.

“I’ve had Group 1s in France, Dubai and Canada,” reflects Oisin Murphy, who bids for the milestone aboard second favourite Roaring Lion in the Investec Derby at Epsom this afternoon.

“Three foreign Group 1s, but not in maroon and gold. That’s something I’d like to change quickly.

“And the Derby was always the most important race.”

Maroon – strictly ‘claret’ – with gold braid are the silks of Sheikh Fahad Al Thani’s Qatar Racing, Murphy’s principal employers since signing the then 20-year-old in 2016.

Roaring Lion carried Al Thani’s colours to victory in his first three races at two last year, but Derby hotpot Saxon Warrior inflicted a first defeat on the John Gosden-trained son of American star Kitten’s Joy when he overtook him late on to win the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster in October by a neck.

“It was gutting for me – I obviously got there too soon,” reflects Murphy. Whatever touches need to be added to his jockey’s art, the self-critical f aculty is working just fine.

But the grey’s aberration from a straight course on Town Moor caused many to question whether his mind was on the job.

Roaring Lion then hung under pressure when an oddson third to Masar in Newmarket’s Craven meeting in April, and in coming home fifth to Saxon Warrior in the 2,000 Guineas over the Rowley Mile four weeks ago.

“With regard to the hanging thing, a few times he’s had excuses and my hope is that, as he gets older, he’ll grow out of it,” says the counsel for the defence.

“John Gosden has very good staff – Rab Havlin, Kieran O’Neill, Nicky Mackay – they have a fair idea of what a good horse is, and if they’re improving. “Everyone is very positive.” The straight defeats triggered market jitters for Dante Stakes, but Roaring Lion ran to an emphatic four-and-a-half-length triumph on York’s Knavesmire to earn a third shot at Saxon Warrior.

“It felt electric,” recalls Murphy. “I know it looked electric, and it was great to get the horse back on track.

“That handicapper said he ran to 118 at Doncaster and he ran to 118 at York so that’s encouraging.”

Born in Cork, but raised in Killarney, Co Kerry, Murphy has his roots in National Hunt racing. ‘Uncle Jim’ is Jim Culloty, who rode Best Mate to land three Gold Cups and saddled Lord Windermere to win the race in 2014.

Showjumping as soon as he could walk, Murphy got the leg up on Lord Windermere when riding out at Culloty’s before going on to partner the likes of 2013 Derby winner Ruler Of The World on the Ballydoyle gallops for Aidan O’Brien.

Murphy flourished for the fervid apprentices’ rivalry at Andrew Balding’s Kingsclere stable when taking out his licence in 2013. Three years later, he had one of the best jobs in the weighing room.

The 22-year-old got his fingertips to a domestic Group 1 when Qatar Racing’s Lightning Spear was shaded by Rhododendron in Newbury’s Lockinge Stakes two weekends ago – and once again finds O’Brien and Ryan Moore in his way.

“It’s great to have a live chance in a Classic. It’s every jockey’s dream to win one and I go there with a big chance,” adds Murphy.

“Sheikh Fahad was very good to me and is very passionate about racing.

“His dream is to win Classics and Group 1s all over the world, and I haven’t achieved what I want to achieve for him.

“But this fella has a very good profile – in normal years, what he’s achieved already would be good enough to win.

“Saxon Warrior deserves to be favourite – but that doesn’t mean I can’t beat him.”