WILD THING OISIN VOWS TO REIN IT IN AFTER TITLE
Champion jockey has backing of his owners despite alcohol issues
THE Qatar Racing employers of Oisin Murphy have promised to stand by their retained jockey as he makes changes to his lifestyle after his third champion jockey title was overshadowed by stories of his antics away from the track.
Murphy, 26, was unsuccessful on Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot yesterday but crowned the season’s top jockey by pipping William Buick — who was successful on Creative Force in the Champions Sprint — by two wins (153-151).
Champions Day morning had dawned with stories of Murphy being involved in an alcohol-fuelled altercation in a Newmarket pub last week — the night before he failed a breathalyser test at the town’s track and was forced to miss his rides.
It was the second time in his career that Murphy has failed a pre-race breathalyser test.
David Redvers, racing manager to the Qatar Racing operation of Sheik Fahad Al Thani and his brothers, said: ‘Oisin is still growing and developing as a man. Clearly things have happened in the recent time that he regrets and will work hard to put right.
‘I have no doubt when the pressure of Champions Day is out of the way and he can breathe and regroup that there will be changes made to his lifestyle and he’s going to look very hard at that.
‘Oisin is exhausted and puts himself under huge pressure. We all make mistakes. It has been difficult and obviously it’s disappointing for everybody that stories in the press have detracted from what is an absolutely unbelievable achievement.’
Murphy gave no indication that the draining title battle had diminished his appetite to launch a bid for a fourth title in 2022.
He said: ‘It is fantastic to lift this trophy again, it is a dream come true. William is one of the best riders in the world and it has been very tough. I am 26 years old and I still feel like a child. I will have to keep trying for a few more years.
‘I think everyone knows that I’m human and quite honest. But I need to do better and I don’t want any issues surrounding my career.’
Buick has had a fantastic season with wins in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes on Adayar — who only finished fifth in the Champion Stakes yesterday behind Sealiway — as well as victories in the Irish Derby and St Leger on Hurricane Lane.
His first title at the age of 33 had been agonisingly within touching distance but Buick said: ‘I gave it everything I had. I will not look back with any ifs, buts and maybes.’