James Murphy is our latest rider to feature in our next generation section.
From Co. Cork, 18-year-old James, who is currently studying to do his Leaving Cert this summer, was in the winner’s enclosure at Punchestown on Sunday aboard Bothair Clei in the open for his father Daniel in the colours of his mum Geraldine.
This is James’ first season to ride in point-to-points and had his first ride at Ballindenisk in December where he finished fourth.
Name: James Murphy
Age: 18
Area: Midleton
How did you become involved in racing?
My father and grandfather have always trained so there was always horses at home. I started riding ponies when I was about five or six and then progressed to go hunting with the United Foxhounds.
When I was about 12 or 13 I started to ride out for my dad and I definitely got the bug then.
Alongside the point-to-pointers that my dad has in, we are also busy during the summer with sales horses and sell under the Walshestown banner. During my mid-term holidays last week I went to Willie Mullins' to ride out and I really enjoyed it.
Before I go to school I ride one or two lots for dad every day and also give him a hand at the weekends.
What's your favourite course?
Punchestown is definitely my favourite point-to-point course so far as I rode my first winner there. I also enjoy my local track at Templenacarriga which I was third at this year also aboard Bothair Clei.
Give us a horse to watch out for?
Dad has a nice mare by Dubai Destination called Destinys Choice. She was fifth first time out at Templenacarriga and has come on a lot from the run.
What was the best day of your racing life?
It is definitely riding my first winner at Punchestown aboard Bothair Clei on Sunday. He has been a great servant to us as that was his 10th win between point-to-points and on the track.
Do you do any sport outside of racing?
I play hurling for my local club in Lisgoold.
Who’s your biggest influence?
My dad has always been a great help to me since I started riding and has given me loads of advice.
What is your one of your favourite racing memories?
When I was 10 my dad trained a mare called Gentle Alice and we had some good days out with her. She won her novice chase for us at Leopardstown as well as running at the Punchestown festival a few times.
What are your plans for this season?
I would like to try and get a few more winners this season and when I finish school I want to go to Kildalton College to do my Green cert so hopefully I can continue things next season.
To read about some of our other featured riders this season click on the link below.
www.p2p.ie/content.php
It was a family affair on Sunday at Punchestown where James Murphy rode his first winner abroad Bothair Clei in the open for his dad Daniel in the colours of his mum Geraldine.
— p2p.ie (@irishp2p) February 20, 2018
The Cork native is the latest rider in our NEXTGEN feature. READ IT HERE https://t.co/P6AbTBwnMg pic.twitter.com/G2AeXhJNcK
