Murphy and Fallon Crowned

[Wandering Eyes]

Oisin Murphy and Cieren Fallon received the accolades before the racing action began on QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot, as the were crowned top Flat jockey and apprentice, respectively. Murphy took the apprentice title just five years ago and has developed into one of the best jockeys in the business, while Fallon was the surprise package of the fledgling ranks at the start of the campaign. At the age of 24, Murphy, is the youngest to win the senior title since Ryan Moore lifted the title at 23 in 2006. The Irish-born rider has only been in action in Britain since 2013–but his rise to stardom has been startling.

Following an excellent grounding at Andrew Balding’s Kingsclere stables, Murphy is retained by Qatar Racing and is an ambassador for QIPCO, improving his seasonal tally year on year. For the actual duration of the championship that began on Guineas weekend at Newmarket in May, Murphy finished well clear of his closest pursuer Danny Tudhope. He was handed his trophy by world heptathlon gold medal winner Katrina Johnson-Thompson.

“I’m both relieved and delighted I managed to do it, as I set my stall out to be champion and it has been a lifelong ambition,” he said. “I’d love to win another jockeys’ championship one day, but it won’t always go as well as it has this year and whether I can do it again next year, I don’t know.”

Fallon was certainly born to be a jockey, being the son of six-times champion Kieren and retired successful female rider Julie Bowker–but no one expected him to go from complete rookie to head the apprentice ranks in just 12 months. From just four winners in 2018, the 20-year-old’s progress has been nothing short of remarkable as he chalked up 58 winners to seal the honours and take his claim down to just three pounds.

Fallon, who is attached to William Haggas’s yard in Newmarket, said, “Amazing. It’s only just sinking in. It’s a great feeling. I couldn’t have imagined his 12 months ago. It’s been a real surprise to me and the family, but I’ve had a lot of help along all the way and I’m delighted that I’ve finally achieved this. It’s going to push me on for next year to go for it again.”

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