Latest news with #ChampionJockey
Daily Mail
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Champion jockey Oisin Murphy is all smiles as he returns to racing just hours after mysterious car crash riddle
Four-time champion jockey Oisin Murphy was all smiles as he returned to racing on Monday afternoon after being involved in a car crash over the weekend. It's believed that the crash occurred shortly after Murphy, 29, raced at Leicester on Saturday afternoon - where he won three times in the seven-race event. Many had expected Murphy to carry that form into Southwell's event on Sunday however the 29-year-old was not present. A steward's report from the British Horseracing Authority later claimed that Murphy missed the opportunity to partake in a further four races due to 'travel issues'. Just one day later, however, Murphy was back in the saddle. The 29-year-old raced at Windsor's circuit on Monday - where he was first on 13-8 favourite Sea Founder in the British Stallion Studs EBF Restricted Maiden Stakes. Prior to the first race of the afternoon, Murphy's agent, Gavin Horne, told The Mirror: 'All I know is Oisin had a car accident and that is it. He is fine and racing tonight.' Murphy's elegance in the saddle made him a star and enabled him to be crowned Champion Jockey three times in a row, from 2019 to 2021, as well as last year's. However, the 29-year-old has served well-documented suspensions, one of 14 months for breaching Covid rules in 2020 and misleading the British Horseracing Authority. Another was for failing a breathalyser test. Reflecting on his suspension in an exclusive interview with Mail Sport last year, Murphy said: 'When I was suspended, it was the first time in my life I ever thought about income. Before, I could never spend what I earned as I was working too hard. 'Then, all of a sudden, I had no income; a mortgage and showjumpers (his passion outside racing) to pay for. I had money invested but I didn't want to put my hand out - "I've tried to f*** up my career, I need my money because I have run out." 'There is a financial awareness now. In the first half of my career, I was never thinking more than a few weeks ahead. Now it's a bit different. 'My focus while I was banned was staying sober, putting my life back together and using the time to make sure I was ready for when the BHA gave me the green light to return.
Daily Mail
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Champion jockey Oisin Murphy misses races after 'being involved in a car crash'
Four-time champion jockey Oisin Murphy was forced to miss racing on Sunday afternoon after being involved in a car crash. It's believed that the crash occurred shortly after Murphy, 29, raced at Leicester on Saturday afternoon - where he won three times in the seven-race event. Many had expected Murphy to carry that form into Southwell's event on Sunday however the 29-year-old was not present. A steward's report from the British Horseracing Authority later claimed that Murphy missed the opportunity to partake in a further four races due to 'travel issues'. Just one day later, however, Murphy was back in the saddle. The 29-year-old raced at Windsor's circuit on Monday - where he was first on 13-8 favourite Sea Founder in the British Stallion Studs EBF Restricted Maiden Stakes. Prior to the first race of the afternoon, Murphy's agent, Gavin Horne, told The Mirror: 'All I know is Oisin had a car accident and that is it. He is fine and racing tonight.' Murphy's elegance in the saddle made him a star and enabled him to be crowned Champion Jockey three times in a row, from 2019 to 2021, as well as last year's. However, the 29-year-old has served well-documented suspensions, one of 14 months for breaching Covid rules in 2020 and misleading the British Horseracing Authority. Another was for failing a breathalyser test. Reflecting on his suspension in an exclusive interview with Mail Sport last year, Murphy said: 'When I was suspended, it was the first time in my life I ever thought about income. Before, I could never spend what I earned as I was working too hard. 'Then, all of a sudden, I had no income; a mortgage and showjumpers (his passion outside racing) to pay for. I had money invested but I didn't want to put my hand out — 'I've tried to f*** up my career, I need my money because I have run out.' 'There is a financial awareness now. In the first half of my career, I was never thinking more than a few weeks ahead. Now it's a bit different. 'My focus while I was banned was staying sober, putting my life back together and using the time to make sure I was ready for when the BHA gave me the green light to return.
Pembrokeshire Herald
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Sean Bowen achieves lifelong ambition with Champion Jockey title
SEAN BOWEN has realised his boyhood dream after being crowned Champion Jockey, rounding off a remarkable season of dedication, success and resilience. The 27-year-old from Pembrokeshire clocked up an astonishing 75,000 miles over the season, with 902 rides and 180 winners to his name — a journey that ended with him making history as the first Welsh champion since Fred Winter in 1958. Earlier this year, Bowen reached 1,000 career wins, but his sights were firmly set on claiming the championship crown. 'Reaching 1,000 wins was an incredible milestone, something not many jockeys get to experience,' Bowen said. 'But becoming Champion Jockey has been my real dream for the last few years. I gave it everything after missing out last year.' Bowen's previous attempt at the title ended in heartbreak after a Boxing Day knee injury derailed his campaign while he was leading. This season, he was determined not to let history repeat itself. 'I knew I had to start fast and keep the pressure on,' he said. 'Harry Skelton pushed me hard around Christmas, but I managed to rebuild the lead. It's been relentless, but every mile, every ride, was worth it for this.' The physical and mental demands of the season were immense, but Bowen remained focused. 'It's tough, not having a day off, always chasing rides. I've kept myself fit, but it takes just as much strength mentally. I hate the idea of someone else winning on a horse I should have been riding — that keeps me moving, even if it means driving across the country in a day,' he said. Family at the heart of success Bowen paid tribute to his parents, Peter and Karen Bowen, both respected trainers, who supported his career from the very beginning. 'Mum and Dad sacrificed so much, driving thousands of miles just so we could race ponies. Seeing how hard they worked made me want to work just as hard,' he said. He also praised his partner, Harriet, for standing by him through the challenges of the racing calendar. 'Harriet has been amazing. I barely see her during the season. We're getting married in July, and I can't wait for some proper time together on our honeymoon.' Finishing on a high Bowen's final week of the season couldn't have been scripted better. He rode a remarkable five winners at Ffos Las — his home track — a career first that left him 'over the moon.' 'That five-timer was something special — in front of my family and the Welsh crowd too. It's a day I'll remember forever,' he said. He followed it up by winning the Irish Grand National aboard Haiti Couleurs, trained by Rebecca Curtis — another proud moment for Welsh racing. 'Winning the Irish Grand National was the biggest moment of my career,' Bowen said. 'To win for a Welsh trainer and beat the Irish on their turf made it even sweeter.' To put the icing on the cake, he capped off the season with victory in the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown, riding Resplendent Grey for trainer Olly Murphy. From childhood dreams to standing at the top of the sport, Sean Bowen's journey has come full circle — and he is not done yet.
