Latest news with #AyrGoldCup
Scottish Sun
8 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
How many chances does Oisin Murphy need? The drink driving charge is the latest bleak chapter in a disheartening story
TURF TALK How many chances does Oisin Murphy need? The drink driving charge is the latest bleak chapter in a disheartening story Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HOW many chances does Oisin Murphy need? Of course, I must caveat this entire column by saying he has not been found guilty, or admitted guilt, to the Thames Valley Police charges of drink driving and failing to provide a roadside breath test. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Oisin Murphy has been charged with drink driving Credit: Getty He will appear in court next week, and if he does plead guilty he will lose his drivers' licence and could, in theory, face more serious punishment. We will have to wait and see how it plays out. But his career has been chequered, to say the least. Let's first consider the positives — Murphy is a tremendous talent. He was one of those jockeys who always looked destined for the top while he was an apprentice, and he shot to prominence with a four-timer on Ayr Gold Cup day as an 18-year-old. He was given the opportunities and took them, ending up as stable No1 to Andrew Balding and as retained jock for Qatar Racing. Murphy, 29, is aware of his obligations as one of our leading jockeys to engage with the public, and he does it very well on social media. His ability was on full show at Royal Ascot, when he rode five winners and was especially lethal over the straight track. But it was during the Royal meeting that a letter dropped onto his doormat from the Crown Prosecution Service saying they were charging him, and so began the latest bleak chapter of one of racing's most disheartening storylines. It is quite clear there is another — how can I put it — less polished side to Murphy than the one you see in public. I've experienced it first hand over the years. Of course it is sad to see a person struggle with an addiction to alcohol — I know what it's like to battle addiction — but if it transpires he had been drinking and got behind the wheel of a car, it's hard to comprehend. Murphy needs help as he quite clearly isn't ready to help himself. He has the world at his feet, but it appears he can't stop pushing the self-destruct button. And too many people around him have covered for him and brushed his issues under the carpet. And they keep surfacing again and again. First, he was banned for three months in 2020 for testing positive for cocaine. He said he was contaminated after having sex with a girl who had taken the drug, so he was given a lenient sentence. Then issues with the bottle began to surface. He failed multiple breath tests and — as exclusively revealed in Sunracing on 2021 Qipco Champions' Day — was involved in an ugly scrap outside a boozer in Newmarket. This was after he had completely disregarded Covid-19 regulations to travel to Mykonos, Greece, in the September of 2020, which, at that time, was on the government's 'red list'. He lied to the BHA about where he had been, returned to the UK and went straight back into the weighing room without isolating himself, potentially putting his colleagues at risk of infection. He was banned for 14 months, during which time he did a lot of media work and spoke about his problems with drink, how he had started attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and would never touch the stuff again. So when he was re-granted his licence, the BHA attached strict conditions, including increased breath testing and a requirement for Murphy 'to remain sober'. After all, it was not that long ago that Graham Gibbons was blamed for a pile-up at Kempton which left Freddie Tylicki in a wheelchair, and in court it was alleged his breath smelled of alcohol on the day. In racing, riding while even slightly impaired is incredibly dangerous. More recently, eyebrows were raised when Murphy failed to turn up at Kempton Park for scheduled alcohol breath testing because, allegedly, he was suffering from especially painful haemorrhoids which required A&E attention. He was back in the saddle shortly after and, as far as I'm aware, the old Chalfont St Giles haven't bothered him to the same extent before or since the missed test. And now he has been involved in a car crash while allegedly over the limit with a passenger in the car — there has been a theme of apparent disregard for the safety of others which is unacceptable. Is it just 'demons'? Or, which is an uncomfortable question to pose, does he just not care? If he is found or pleads guilty on Thursday, the BHA will have no option but to immediately suspend his riding licence in my view. Every time Murphy has done something wrong, his actions have been excused one way or another. How many more chances does he need?
The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
How many chances does Oisin Murphy need? The drink driving charge is the latest bleak chapter in a disheartening story
HOW many chances does Oisin Murphy need? Of course, I must caveat this entire column by saying he has not been found guilty, or admitted guilt, to the Thames Valley Police charges of drink driving and failing to provide a roadside breath test. 1 Oisin Murphy has been charged with drink driving Credit: Getty He will appear in court next week, and if he does plead guilty he will lose his drivers' licence and could, in theory, face more serious punishment. We will have to wait and see how it plays out. But his career has been chequered, to say the least. Let's first consider the positives — Murphy is a tremendous talent. He was one of those jockeys who always looked destined for the top while he was an apprentice, and he shot to prominence with a four-timer on Ayr Gold Cup day as an 18-year-old. He was given the opportunities and took them, ending up as stable No1 to Andrew Balding and as retained jock for Qatar Racing. Murphy, 29, is aware of his obligations as one of our leading jockeys to engage with the public, and he does it very well on social media. His ability was on full show at Royal Ascot, when he rode five winners and was especially lethal over the straight track. But it was during the Royal meeting that a letter dropped onto his doormat from the Crown Prosecution Service saying they were charging him, and so began the latest bleak chapter of one of racing's most disheartening storylines. Most read in Horse Racing It is quite clear there is another — how can I put it — less polished side to Murphy than the one you see in public. I've experienced it first hand over the years. Of course it is sad to see a person struggle with an addiction to alcohol — Murphy needs help as he quite clearly isn't ready to help himself. He has the world at his feet, but it appears he can't stop pushing the self-destruct button. And too many people around him have covered for him and brushed his issues under the carpet. And they keep surfacing again and again. First, he was Then issues with the bottle began to surface. He failed multiple breath tests and — as exclusively revealed in Sunracing on 2021 Qipco Champions' Day — was involved in an This was after he had completely disregarded Covid-19 regulations to travel to Mykonos, Greece, in the September of 2020, which, at that time, was on the government's 'red list'. He lied to the BHA about where he had been, returned to the UK and went straight back into the weighing room without isolating himself, potentially putting his colleagues at risk of infection. He was So when he was re-granted his licence, the BHA attached strict conditions, including increased breath testing and a requirement for Murphy 'to remain sober'. After all, it was not that long ago that Graham Gibbons was blamed for a pile-up at Kempton which left Freddie Tylicki in a wheelchair, and in court it was alleged his breath smelled of alcohol on the day. In racing, riding while even slightly impaired is incredibly dangerous. More recently, eyebrows were raised when Murphy failed to turn up at Kempton Park for scheduled alcohol breath testing because, allegedly, he was suffering from especially painful He was back in the saddle shortly after and, as far as I'm aware, the old Chalfont St Giles haven't bothered him to the same extent before or since the missed test. And now he has been involved in a car crash while allegedly over the limit with a passenger in the car — there has been a theme of apparent disregard for the safety of others which is unacceptable. Is it just 'demons'? Or, which is an uncomfortable question to pose, does he just not care? Read more on the Irish Sun If he is found or pleads guilty on Thursday, the BHA will have no option but to immediately suspend his riding licence in my view. Every time Murphy has done something wrong, his actions have been excused one way or another. How many more chances does he need?
Rhyl Journal
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Temple target awaits York hero American Affair
Winner of a valuable prize at Thirsk and the Portland at Doncaster last season, he was also placed in several other decent races before disappointing when favourite for the Ayr Gold Cup. The five-year-old was rated just 70 at the start of 2024, but following a comeback victory at Musselburgh last month, he lined up on the Knavesmire off 98 and even that elevated mark was nowhere near enough to stop Paul Mulrennan charting a path to the front with relative ease. Goldie, speaking away from the track, said: 'That was first class, he couldn't have done it any better and he's obviously very good. 'I think he's just developing, that's where the improvement has come from. Paul took him back out of the stalls as he can idle when he hits the front, but the Portland tactics worked well. He's quite exciting.' Jm Jungle travelled smoothly to grab the lead on the Knavesmire, but he just acted as a target for the 7-2 favourite American Affair, who was good value for the winning margin of a length. Paddy Power make the winner a 33-1 shot from 100-1 for the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot and he could bid to earn himself a trip to the summer showpiece meeting at Haydock on Saturday week. 'He's entered at Royal Ascot but I think we'll take him to Haydock first for the Temple Stakes,' the trainer added. 'I think we're just enjoying riding the wave, as they say. Jack Dexter was rated 114 at one stage, this lad will be rated over 100 now so he's still got a long way to go, but if he wins the Temple then he won't be far off. 'I think he was beaten by the trip at Ayr, he looks to be a real five-furlong horse. I've had three generations of the family now, which is nice.' Old Cock (9-2) finished with a flourish to claim a last-gasp victory in the Oakmere Homes Hambleton Handicap. Ed Bethell's three-time winner had a point to prove after trailing home last of 22 in the Lincoln at Doncaster on his seasonal debut, but swooped late to deny 5-2 favourite Sisyphean by half a length in the hands of Callum Rodriguez. Bethell said: 'That was good, I'm very pleased with him. He's very good on his day and I thought he looked a million walking around the paddock. 'I was never confident because it is York but I had a strong hope, put it that way. Who knows where the ceiling is for him? 'The trainer messed up in the Lincoln, he got a rush of blood early in the year and I ran him too soon. This has been the plan ever since. 'He's in the Hunt Cup (at Royal Ascot) but I'll speak to the owners before making a final decision.' First Legion (6-1) was a second impressive debut winner in two days on the Knavesmire for Richard Hannon in the Frank Whittle Partnership Novice Stakes. Also in the colours of owner Zhang Yuesheng like Ballistic Missile, his retained rider Shane Foley was aboard for the length-and-a-half victory. Foley said: 'He breezed very well and was bought with a big reputation (500,000 guineas) and Richard liked him. 'He's gone through the race well, he was a little bit keen in the middle part of the race but he picked up good. 'Faster ground will suit him. It rode a nice race.' Paddy Power introduced him at 12-1 for the Coventry Stakes. William Haggas' Merchant then won the mile-and-a-half Sky Bet Handicap by two and a half lengths as the 5-2 favourite under Tom Marquand. 'We're thrilled, William has always liked this horse,' said Harry Herbert of owners Highclere. 'He's always been a lovely work in progress, he's laid back and almost lazy at home, here he is over the right trip for the first time. 'He was pretty well handicapped and he's the sort of horse we'd love to think we could get to Royal Ascot for the King George V with.'
Glasgow Times
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Temple target awaits York hero American Affair
Winner of a valuable prize at Thirsk and the Portland at Doncaster last season, he was also placed in several other decent races before disappointing when favourite for the Ayr Gold Cup. The five-year-old was rated just 70 at the start of 2024, but following a comeback victory at Musselburgh last month, he lined up on the Knavesmire off 98 and even that elevated mark was nowhere near enough to stop Paul Mulrennan charting a path to the front with relative ease. Goldie, speaking away from the track, said: 'That was first class, he couldn't have done it any better and he's obviously very good. 'I think he's just developing, that's where the improvement has come from. Paul took him back out of the stalls as he can idle when he hits the front, but the Portland tactics worked well. He's quite exciting.' Jm Jungle travelled smoothly to grab the lead on the Knavesmire, but he just acted as a target for the 7-2 favourite American Affair, who was good value for the winning margin of a length. Paddy Power make the winner a 33-1 shot from 100-1 for the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot and he could bid to earn himself a trip to the summer showpiece meeting at Haydock on Saturday week. 'He's entered at Royal Ascot but I think we'll take him to Haydock first for the Temple Stakes,' the trainer added. 'I think we're just enjoying riding the wave, as they say. Jack Dexter was rated 114 at one stage, this lad will be rated over 100 now so he's still got a long way to go, but if he wins the Temple then he won't be far off. 'I think he was beaten by the trip at Ayr, he looks to be a real five-furlong horse. I've had three generations of the family now, which is nice.' Old Cock (9-2) finished with a flourish to claim a last-gasp victory in the Oakmere Homes Hambleton Handicap. Ed Bethell's three-time winner had a point to prove after trailing home last of 22 in the Lincoln at Doncaster on his seasonal debut, but swooped late to deny 5-2 favourite Sisyphean by half a length in the hands of Callum Rodriguez. Bethell said: 'That was good, I'm very pleased with him. He's very good on his day and I thought he looked a million walking around the paddock. 'I was never confident because it is York but I had a strong hope, put it that way. Who knows where the ceiling is for him? 'The trainer messed up in the Lincoln, he got a rush of blood early in the year and I ran him too soon. This has been the plan ever since. 'He's in the Hunt Cup (at Royal Ascot) but I'll speak to the owners before making a final decision.' First Legion (6-1) was a second impressive debut winner in two days on the Knavesmire for Richard Hannon in the Frank Whittle Partnership Novice Stakes. Also in the colours of owner Zhang Yuesheng like Ballistic Missile, his retained rider Shane Foley was aboard for the length-and-a-half victory. Foley said: 'He breezed very well and was bought with a big reputation (500,000 guineas) and Richard liked him. 'He's gone through the race well, he was a little bit keen in the middle part of the race but he picked up good. 'Faster ground will suit him. It rode a nice race.' Paddy Power introduced him at 12-1 for the Coventry Stakes. William Haggas' Merchant then won the mile-and-a-half Sky Bet Handicap by two and a half lengths as the 5-2 favourite under Tom Marquand. 'We're thrilled, William has always liked this horse,' said Harry Herbert of owners Highclere. 'He's always been a lovely work in progress, he's laid back and almost lazy at home, here he is over the right trip for the first time. 'He was pretty well handicapped and he's the sort of horse we'd love to think we could get to Royal Ascot for the King George V with.'
North Wales Chronicle
15-05-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Temple target awaits York hero American Affair
Winner of a valuable prize at Thirsk and the Portland at Doncaster last season, he was also placed in several other decent races before disappointing when favourite for the Ayr Gold Cup. The five-year-old was rated just 70 at the start of 2024, but following a comeback victory at Musselburgh last month, he lined up on the Knavesmire off 98 and even that elevated mark was nowhere near enough to stop Paul Mulrennan charting a path to the front with relative ease. Goldie, speaking away from the track, said: 'That was first class, he couldn't have done it any better and he's obviously very good. 'I think he's just developing, that's where the improvement has come from. Paul took him back out of the stalls as he can idle when he hits the front, but the Portland tactics worked well. He's quite exciting.' Jm Jungle travelled smoothly to grab the lead on the Knavesmire, but he just acted as a target for the 7-2 favourite American Affair, who was good value for the winning margin of a length. Paddy Power make the winner a 33-1 shot from 100-1 for the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot and he could bid to earn himself a trip to the summer showpiece meeting at Haydock on Saturday week. 'He's entered at Royal Ascot but I think we'll take him to Haydock first for the Temple Stakes,' the trainer added. 'I think we're just enjoying riding the wave, as they say. Jack Dexter was rated 114 at one stage, this lad will be rated over 100 now so he's still got a long way to go, but if he wins the Temple then he won't be far off. 'I think he was beaten by the trip at Ayr, he looks to be a real five-furlong horse. I've had three generations of the family now, which is nice.' Old Cock (9-2) finished with a flourish to claim a last-gasp victory in the Oakmere Homes Hambleton Handicap. Ed Bethell's three-time winner had a point to prove after trailing home last of 22 in the Lincoln at Doncaster on his seasonal debut, but swooped late to deny 5-2 favourite Sisyphean by half a length in the hands of Callum Rodriguez. Bethell said: 'That was good, I'm very pleased with him. He's very good on his day and I thought he looked a million walking around the paddock. 'I was never confident because it is York but I had a strong hope, put it that way. Who knows where the ceiling is for him? 'The trainer messed up in the Lincoln, he got a rush of blood early in the year and I ran him too soon. This has been the plan ever since. 'He's in the Hunt Cup (at Royal Ascot) but I'll speak to the owners before making a final decision.' First Legion (6-1) was a second impressive debut winner in two days on the Knavesmire for Richard Hannon in the Frank Whittle Partnership Novice Stakes. Also in the colours of owner Zhang Yuesheng like Ballistic Missile, his retained rider Shane Foley was aboard for the length-and-a-half victory. Foley said: 'He breezed very well and was bought with a big reputation (500,000 guineas) and Richard liked him. 'He's gone through the race well, he was a little bit keen in the middle part of the race but he picked up good. 'Faster ground will suit him. It rode a nice race.' Paddy Power introduced him at 12-1 for the Coventry Stakes. William Haggas' Merchant then won the mile-and-a-half Sky Bet Handicap by two and a half lengths as the 5-2 favourite under Tom Marquand. 'We're thrilled, William has always liked this horse,' said Harry Herbert of owners Highclere. 'He's always been a lovely work in progress, he's laid back and almost lazy at home, here he is over the right trip for the first time. 'He was pretty well handicapped and he's the sort of horse we'd love to think we could get to Royal Ascot for the King George V with.'
