Image © Healy Racing
James Murray made an immediate impact on his first ride on British soil when partnering Tenthousandreasons to victory in the opening maiden at the Wales Area Club point-to-point meeting at Lower Machen last Sunday.
The 20-year-old Wexford rider, who had three rides on the card, produced a well-judged effort aboard the Callum Griffiths-trained gelding, delivering him with a late challenge before asserting from two out to score comfortably.
Murray also gained further experience across the card, finishing fourth in the mares’ maiden aboard the Abbie Willmott-trained Carry On Beauty, a ride secured through connections at the Mickey Bowen yard, while his third mount, Prestige Runner, was a spare ride he picked up on the day.
The opportunity to ride in Britain came about through fellow Irishman Peter Croke, head lad to Mickey Bowen, with Murray travelling over to the Pembrokeshire yard for a short spell which quickly led to race opportunities.
“I just went over for a few days after Peter suggested that I come over to ride out for a few days. I got the ride through them and it worked out well.”
He added that the winning mount had been one he was quietly hopeful about beforehand, having been given simple instructions.
“They said just to ride him cold and come with one run. I followed the instructions, jumped the third last upsides them and let him go on, and he picked up well and stayed on from there.”
Murray has since picked up further rides during his stay, including a booking for Mickey Bowen at Perth on Wednesday, where he is set to partner Roi Du Roume in an amateur riders’ handicap hurdle.
He is also due to ride Poppa Poutine for Abbie Willmott in the Dunraven Bowl Pink Eyed Pedro Grassroots Open Hunters’ Chase at Chepstow on Friday evening, with the handler based in the same locality as Bowen.
Reflecting on the experience of riding in British point-to-points, Murray highlighted the difference in race tempo.
“It’s completely different. They go a lot faster early on compared to here, so it took a bit of getting used to, but it was a good experience.”
Despite the success, Murray indicated that the trip had originally been intended as a brief visit, although he is open to returning should further opportunities arise.
“It was only meant to be a one-off really, just to go over for a few days, but I’ve really enjoyed it and I’ve picked up a few more rides now while I’m here.”
Based in Ferns, Co. Wexford, Murray rides out for Sue O’Gorman and Mick Goff, and has already enjoyed success between the flags, with six career point-to-point winners to his name on home spoil, whilst he has also gained plenty of experience under Rules.
Murray is set to return to Ireland following Friday’s card at Chepstow, where he will be back in action at point-to-points over the weekend.
Murray is set to return to Ireland following Friday’s card at Chepstow, where he will be back in action at point-to-points over the weekend.
