Oisin Murphy maintained his bid for a fourth champion jockey title with a four-timer at Newmarket on Saturday.
The 28-year-old, who won the jockeys’ championship in 2019, 2020, and 2021, has seen William Buick claim the title for the past two seasons. However, Murphy is leading the standings for 2024 and has already surpassed 100 winners for the year, holding a commanding lead of over 30 winners ahead of his nearest rival, Rossa Ryan.
Murphy's successful day at Newmarket took his championship tally—calculated from May 4 to British Champions Day on October 19—beyond three figures.
“It was great to ride winners for four different trainers, so thanks to them for the opportunities,” Murphy said. “Fields here are smaller, but it’s competitive, and it’s nice to get a few on the board. I had no winners early in the week, so it’s a nice end to it. I’m aware I need momentum daily, which is why I’m working so hard.”
Murphy began his four-timer with a win aboard Tom Dascombe’s Pappa Louis (2-1) in the JenningsBet Newmarket Nursery Handicap. He then doubled up with Tom Clover’s improving Fifty Nifty (100-30 favourite) in the JenningsBet Handicap.
His third win came with Andrew Balding’s Mount Teide (10-11 favourite) in the JenningsBet Treble Odds Lucky 15 Handicap. Murphy rounded off the day with a victory on Michael Bell’s Galactic Charm (9-2) in the Patrick B Doyle (Construction) Ltd Handicap.
Regarding Mount Teide, Murphy remarked, “He’s an improving horse and was in the right race today. I’m hopeful he can progress further. A mile suits him well, and he enjoys fast ground.”