Episode 247: Darryn Murphy

Great to catch up with former jockey Darryn Murphy who is enjoying his role as a mentor and coach of young racing aspirants in South Australia. Darryn talks about his job with the employment and training company Skillinvest which specialises in the education and career guidance of people across a range of industries including horse racing. He also explains his role with Thoroughbred Racing South Australia. Darren talks of early days in Ballarat and his initial indentureship to local trainer Ron Bones. He reflects on his transfer to Murray Bridge trainer Ray Paech for whom he rode many winners. He looks back on a spectacular crash at Victoria Park. Darryn couldn’t believe his luck when he crashed again in a track gallop not long after getting back into the saddle. The tough as teak Murphy talks about a retainer with the Rob McGuiness stable and his friendship with the veteran jockey who guided his career. Darryn pays tribute to Ian Saunders the Epsom trainer who gave him tremendous support. He tells a wonderful story about the circumstances leading up to his late engagement for a famous mare in the 1986 Melbourne Cup. The former jockey remembers his Group 2 win on the brilliant Scarlet Bisque for legendary trainer Colin Hayes. Darren pays tribute to a few of his favourite horses from the 1980’s and his unexpected win in Singapore’s biggest race. He acknowledges the talents of his brother Gary whose services were sought by many top Melbourne stables. Darren still shudders when he talks about his horrific crash in a 1990 jumpout at Flemington. This accident was life changing in several aspects. On returning to the saddle Darren took up a contract in Macau where he finished fourth in the jockeys premiership. He was still riding winners but knew he wasn’t the same jockey. He talks about life after racing and the new career he was able to forge- trackwalking, form analysis and jockey tutorship. He was really in his element. Darryn reflects on a brief stint working for trainer Steve Burridge in Singapore. He couldn’t resist riding a little trackwork which resulted in another “buster”. Darryn Murphy has shrugged off many setbacks to give back to the industry he loves.