Former Irish Champion Flat Jockey and two-time Classic-winning rider Tommy Murphy died at a hospital in Cashel on Wednesday. A rider and later an assistant trainer to the late Vincent O'Brien, he was 88.
Murphy rode his first winner in 1954 in Ireland and spent six years riding in England before beginning a 10-year stint with Clem Magnier in Co Meath. Successful twice in the Galway Hurdle and also at the Cheltenham Festival, he joined O'Brien's stable in 1974. His brace of Classic scorers were in 1977–Lady Capulet (Sir Ivor) in the G1 Irish 1000 Guineas and Transworld (Prince John) in the G1 Irish St Leger. Other notable mounts for Murphy include Group 1 winners Cloonlara (Sir Ivor) and Storm Bird (Northern Dancer). He earned his championship title in 1978, and retired from the saddle in 1981 before serving as assistant trainer to O'Brien until the latter retired in 1994. Murphy stayed on at Ballydoyle and was an important resource for new trainer Aidan O'Brien for many years.
O'Brien told the Racing Post, “Tommy was an unbelievable horseman, jockey and person. He was an incredible help to us when we came to Ballydoyle [in 1994]. He taught everybody here so much about so many different things. Even when he retired, he came in all the time to give everyone advice and guidance. He was one of those irreplaceable men.
“He was a great rider, too, just an incredible and special man. Andrew [Tommy's son and head lad at Ballydoyle] is in charge of the Giant's Causeway yard, where all our main horses are kept.”
Predeceased by his wife Celia, Murphy is survived by children Helen, Margaret, Jennifer, Sarah, Thomas and Andrew.
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