Name: James Murray
Age: 17
From: Ferns, Co. Wexford
First Winner: One For Dan
How did you get started with horses?
We have had horses at home all my life. There are photos of me sitting on a horse at nine months of age.
I started out hunting and showjumping and then when I was about ten I started riding a few of the racehorses we had at home and then when I was about 13 I started riding out for Prunella Dobbs and went in part time for about two years.
Then fter that I started riding out for Liam Kenny in the summer holidays and that is where I got to start schooling, and from Liam's I went to Peter Croke's in Wicklow and I rode out for John Paul Brennan in the evenings.
Then fter that I started riding out for Liam Kenny in the summer holidays and that is where I got to start schooling, and from Liam's I went to Peter Croke's in Wicklow and I rode out for John Paul Brennan in the evenings.
What was it about racing that was the attraction?
My family are all involved in horses, my father works for Prunella Dobbs in Wicklow and my mother works in Carrigbeg Stud. My Dad rode as an amateur in both England and Ireland. He rode for Sue and Harvey Smith in England and then for Philip Rothwell in Ireland.
I always loved racehorses, I love the adrenaline and coming into a fence at speed and the fact that my father rode too.
Who do you ride out for now?
After being in Prunella's I started riding out for Liam Kenny in the summer holidays and that is where i got to start schooling, from Liam's I went to Peter Croke's in Wicklow and I rode out for John Paul Brennan in the evenings.
I am now based with Colm Murphy and John Paul most evenings and schooling mornings.
What is your favourite track to ride around?
I like riding around Lingstown, I finished second there on One For Dan on my second ride.
Were any of your family in Borris when you won on him?
My mum and dad were there and my aunty.
Do you have any horses yourself?
I have a few thoroughbreds, I have a four year old and two six year olds, they will all be ready to run soon and I also have quite a few hunters at home.
Who would be your biggest influence in racing?
I have a lot of thanks to give to James Kenny and James Walsh they have helped me out a lot, they would have given me loads of tips when I was learning to school and my father has helped me out loads too.
Do you have any interests outside of racing?
I play hurling for Ferns and I used to play for Wexford but I gave it up this year to concentrate on Racing.
What are your ambitions for the rest of the season?
I would like to just keep getting rides and a few more winners would be nice.
