Jockey Oisin Murphy reveals all about 'scariest five minutes' of record career

Renowned horseman Oisin Murphy has spoken about the 'scariest' race in his record career so far. The 30-year-old opened up to Talksport host Alan Brazil on the day his new book 'Sacrifice: A year in the life of a champion jockey' was released.

Murphy, who is set to scoop a fifth title at Ascot on October 18, had his first ride in Britain as a professional jockey in 2013 - and was champion apprentice the following year. And while racing on the flat has always come naturally to him, he also had a burning desire to compete under National Hunt rules.

However his first spin, on a Neil Mulholland-trained thoroughbred called Ike Sport at Wincanton, has appeared to rule out any future progression over jumps.

"I rode in a hurdle race last year at Wincanton and I'm not exaggerating it was the scariest five minutes of my entire life," he told Brazil and former Aston Villa player Gabby Agbonlahor on the Talksport breakfast show.

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Murphy, a nephew of Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National-winning rider Jim Culloty, lined up against established jump jockeys including Richie McLernon and Sean Houlihan at the Somerset venue.

He held Ike Sport up at the back of the field and brought the horse to a halt after the third last flight of 13.

"I really tip my hat to these guys, the likes of Harry Cobden," he added. "I think the Cheltenham Festival which I'm sure you enjoy is one of the greatest sporting fixtures of all time."

Murphy has fared better in showjumping, a sport he was successful in at a younger age after he first learned to ride.

In 2021 he finished second in Hickstead's Hy Equestrian British 1.10m Amateur Championship aboard Tiger.

However the following year, racing chiefs stalled his career for the failure of two breath tests, breaking Covid-19 regulations and misleading the BHA.

And in July, he was banned from driving for 20 months and fined £70,000 after the car he was driving crashed into a tree while over the permitted alcohol limit - and 'incredibly strict' conditions were put on his race-riding licence.

Murphy leads the jockeys' championship with 138 winners and is set to receive his trophy at Qipco British Champions Day a week on Saturday.

He told Brazil it is not always easy to remain at the top of his profession, which is detailed in the book ghostwritten by James Hogg.

"From the outside looking in everything might seem fantastic, but I can promise you they are long days and it's a real battle to stay motivated, particularly when things aren't going well," Murphy added.

"If you get beaten on a few horses, I know hard-earned cash is being bet on my rides every day and I want to do the best not only for the people I'm riding for, but also the betting public. It can be a dark trip home when I haven't ridden very well.

"The book was a process that took place every day, particularly in the build up to Royal Ascot when my mood wasn't great and I was feeling the pressure. I'm not great to be around when I'm like that and I hate myself afterwards for not being more level-headed.

"I was open and transparent in the voice notes I was sending to James and he was telling me it was quite out there and checking I was OK with it, but I wanted to give people an insight into me and I hope it doesn't depress people too much.

"I take riding horses seriously, maybe too seriously, and the bigger picture is this is just horses galloping around a field. Far worse things are happening in the world, but when you live and breathe it, it is hard to put it into perspective."