Winning return for Oisin Murphy

Qatar Racing’s retained rider Oisin Murphy made a winning return to race-riding on Thursday when Jupiter Express justified favouritism in a 6f handicap at Chelmsford. He now moves onto Qatar where he will ride on Saturday, including British raider Flaming Rib for Hugo Palmer.

After 14 months off the track, Oisin Murphy showed all his ability as a jockey remains when producing a smooth and strong winning ride on the Mick Appleby-trained Jupiter Island for owners The Horse Watchers.

After Doha this weekend, Oisin is set to ride the George Boughey-trained Missed The Cut in the Group 3 Neom Turf Cup in Saudi Arabia a week on Saturday. He has also taken out a dual licence for both Flat and jumps, as he has previously, though no plans have been outlined.

Murphy told the press: "“It’s going to be good going to Doha at the weekend, I’m looking forward to that, and I’ll be riding plenty on the all-weather between international trips but it’s a relief and it’s brilliant to get a winner on the board. I want to focus on that and ride a few more.”

Murphy has won Gr.1s for Qatar Racing on board Roaring Lion, Kameko and Lightning Spear, and was British Flat Racing Champion Jockey in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Oisin will continue to be joined by Gr.1-winning jockey Cieren Fallon as Qatar Racing retained riders in 2023.