British Champion Murphy back in Saudi Arabia

Oisin Murphy has strong book of rides after Saudi Cup night success

Image: Oisin Murphy after winning the Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap.

Credit: Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia / Paul McMillan.

Oisin Murphy makes a return to Saudi Arabia for the penultimate week of the Riyadh season, and the four-time British Champion is seeking to extend his good fortune at King Abdulaziz Racecourse after his strike on Byzantine Dream (JPN) in the Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap.

The Irishman had belated got off the mark in the country during the Diriyah International Jockeys’ Challenge at The Saudi Cup meeting, before his win in the stayers’ race which came just before Forever Young and Romantic Warrior’s epic conclusion to the main event.

And he has picked up a dazzling book of rides over the three days of this week’s racing standing in for the sidelined Camilo Ospina in the famous white stable colours of King Abdullah Bin A\Aziz Sons.

“It was brilliant to win at The Saudi Cup meeting – I thought it was very well organised and it was a fantastic event,” said Murphy.

“I am going to be riding Thursday, Friday and Saturday this week and there are some nice races over the three days.

“I am riding for one of the leading stables as Camilo is unfortunately serving a whip suspension – hopefully the horses can go very well and we can get some good results.”

His top-class rides include Prince Khalid Abdullah Cup winner Bolide Porto (IRE), the mare Motathabetah (KSA) who landed a domestic Group 1 in January and runs in Friday’s Abdullah bin Ibrahim Aba Alkhail Award Race and Carmel Road (USA) in the North America Cup on Saturday.

Murphy was amongst the winners at Lingfield Park in the United Kingdon on Wednesday having been back in the Middle East last weekend when part of Super Saturday in Dubai.

“It is a very busy time of year for me but I really enjoy it and it is great to be part of this international schedule, particularly when the horses have chances,” he added.

Coverage of Murphy’s rides and all races from King Abdulaziz Racecourse can be found at https://www.youtube.com/@JCSA_Racing/streams.

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