Warwickshire-based horse racing trainer Olly Murphy is bidding to enjoy another productive season in the sport after making massive strides over the past few years.
Murphy trained 81 winners in 2022/23, before improving his tally to 102 the following season. He took a major leap forward last term, recording 141 winners.
For bettors more familiar with playing games at the best payout online casinos, Murphy is undoubtedly a man worth following during the 2025/26 National Hunt season.
A couple of noteworthy developments in recent weeks have significantly boosted his hopes of hitting the jackpot over the winter period.
American Mike has moved to Muphy’s stable in Stratford-upon-Avon after former trainer Gordon Elliott suggested a change of scenery would benefit him.
Murphy, who previously spent four years as Elliott’s assistant, says he is looking forward to training a horse who has shown plenty of good form in the past.
He told Racing TV’s Josh Stacey: “He’s been a horse who hasn’t quite reached the expectations as a novice it looked like he might. I am just starting to get to know him.
“Gordon filled me in about him and it was actually Gordon who said the change of scenery would do him good. I’m very lucky to have a horse like him and hopefully he can be competitive in some handicap chases.
“We’re working as a team. Owners Noel and Valerie Moran who sponsor Gordon’s yard are also good supporters of me. Hopefully just a change of scenery will spark a small bit of a revival.
“Albeit he has some good form from last season so it’s not like he’s completely gone off the face of the earth. We’re not just trying to find something that was there three years ago, he has got recent form as well.”
Murphy’s hopes of improving his tally of winners this season have been handed another boost by former Grand National-winning jockey Mick Fitzgerald.
The ITV presenter now runs the Mick Fitzgerald Racing Club, a syndicate operation which has four horses running under its umbrella.
Its latest recruit is Jamada, who showed plenty of promise when winning a bumper at Naas in April. Murphy purchased the horse from a Cheltenham sale before approaching Fitzgerald.
With champion jockey Sean Bowen attached to Murphy’s yard, Fitzgerald decided the opportunity was too good to miss.
“I’ve been very impressed with Olly in that he has come a long way, and he has learnt an awful lot in the short period of time he’s been training,” Fitzgerald said.
“When I first spoke to Olly about the possibility of having a horse with him, he then approached me about Jamada and said ‘I think I’ve found the perfect horse for you and your racing club’.
“I then did some homework, spoke to Patrick Mullins, who had ridden him, and I heard what I needed to hear, and it all stacked up.
“Sean being at Olly’s is a big draw for me. I’ve known Sean since he was a little boy, and I watched him evolve into the champion jockey that he is now.
“I think Sean Bowen has and will help to raise Olly’s profile. Having a jockey like Sean on your side is a huge asset and one that will certainly help Jamada’s journey.”
The horse is expected to start the season in a novice hurdle. However, Murphy is already eyeing handicap races and Jamada could be one to follow as the season progresses.
Article written by Michael Cage
