Oisin Murphy, the reigning champion jockey, may not be chasing his crown as hard in 2025. Instead, he plans to prioritise riding top-class horses rather than competing daily.
A Shift in Priorities
After a stellar 2024 season with 163 winners, Murphy aims to concentrate on riding top-class horses and managing his workload. Speaking from South Africa, where he recently celebrated a win, Murphy explained, “I doubt I’ll be in the running for champion jockey this year. I want to focus on riding good horses and staying fresh for the biggest races.”
He highlighted several promising horses, including New Century, a Grade 1 winner, and Giavellotto, the Hong Kong Vase champion, as key prospects for the year. Murphy’s decision reflects a shift in priorities, emphasising long-term performance over daily competition.
Rising Talent and Strong Relationships
Murphy acknowledged the depth of talent in British racing, mentioning riders like Rossa Ryan and Tom Marquand and rising stars such as Billy Loughnane. He also values his partnerships with key trainers and owners, including Sheikh Fahad and Andrew Balding. Balding expressed confidence in their continued collaboration, especially with horses like New Century, a leading contender for the 2,000 Guineas.
With an impressive roster of horses and a refined focus, Murphy is poised for another successful year, even as he steps back from defending his championship title.
