Three-time champion Flat jockey Oisin Murphy set for shock switch to jumps racing this season

11 months ago 82

THREE-TIME champion Flat jockey Oisin Murphy “absolutely” wants to ride over jumps this winter.

The Irishman, who has won big races on the level for the likes of Nicky Henderson, is mad-keen to pick up some National Hunt rides this season.

Former champion Flat jockey Oisin Murphy could ride over jumps this winter[/caption]

Murphy, 28, has a background in showjumping and competed at competitions like Hickstead while serving his 14-month suspension.

He was banned in February 2022 for failing alcohol breath tests and for a serious breach of Covid-19 protocols.

But he has returned to the saddle with a bang this year, riding 158 winners on the Flat and banking over £5 million in prize-money.

And he is hoping to keep his eye in over the jumps, having been granted a dual licence earlier this year, once meetings like the Breeders’ Cup are over.

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His uncle, Jim Culloty, was a hugely successful jumps jockey who rode Best Mate to win three Gold Cups and went on to train Lord Windermere to win Cheltenham’s big race.

It was reported in Sun Racing’s Trackman column in late September that Culloty is considering a return to the training ranks, this time in the UK.

He would no doubt support Murphy if he were to reignite his training career, and he has encouraged his nephew to take the plunge.

Murphy said: “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.”