Aidan O'Brien hails 'an incredible and special man' following death of Tommy Murphy, former Irish champion jockey and Ballydoyle stalwart

Aidan O'Brien has paid tribute to Tommy Murphy, former Irish champion Flat jockey and long-time right-hand man to Vincent O'Brien, who has died aged 88, describing him as an "incredible help" when he took over training at Ballydoyle.

Murphy was champion jockey in 1978 and, following his retirement at the end of the 1981 season, became an integral part of Vincent O'Brien's operation at Ballydoyle as a senior work-rider and assistant trainer, having partnered O'Brien-trained horses to multiple big-race successes, including two Classics in 1977 on Lady Capulet in the Irish 1,000 Guineas and Transworld in the Irish St Leger.

Born on September 11, 1936, in County Wexford, Murphy began his apprenticeship with trainer Milo Walshe, riding his first winner for him on Fabrice at Phoenix Park in 1954. After a stint in Britain, he returned to Ireland to work for Clem Magnier, with one of the pair's highlights coming in the 1969 Phoenix Stakes when he guided outsider Pianissimo to success.

• Obituary: Tommy Murphy, Irish champion jockey and key figure across the eras at Ballydoyle 

Murphy was also a successful rider over jumps, landing the Galway Hurdle on Dictora for Magnier in 1970 and Hardboy for Richard McCormick in 1972, while he also won the 1978 Gloucestershire Hurdle (Supreme Novices') on the Christy Grassick-trained Noble Life.

He moved to Ballydoyle in his late 30s, which brought about his championship-winning season. His final winner came at Leopardstown in October 1981, after which he became a key member of O'Brien's team until the end of his career.

Aidan O'Brien said: "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. We'll miss Tommy terribly. He lived here for a long time, until he went into hospital. 

Tommy Murphy (left) with Mick Kinane and Giant's Causeway following the 2000 Irish Champion StakesCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

"We had a lot of great memories going racing with Tommy. We had unbelievable days with him and always had dinner on the way home after racing. Joseph, Sarah, Ana and Donnacha were always with him from the time they were babies and grew up learning from him about horses and life."

Ted Walsh fondly remembers his first encounter with Murphy, when the pair spent three weeks in the US, during which Murphy partnered Dictora in the inaugural running of the Colonial Cup.

The race, worth $100,000 and then one of the most valuable jump races in the world, was the brainchild of Marion duPont Scott and was held at Springdale racecourse. It was won by Top Bid, who beat 21 rivals including Tingle Creek, L'Escargot, Crisp and French Tan.

"I knew Tommy all my life," said Walsh. "He was a great help to me as a young fella starting off. He was a gentleman and a great dual-purpose rider. I remember when he was with Clem Magnier and Ballydoyle, and he rode a few winners for my father and me. He was very much part of my life growing up.

Tommy Murphy: long-term member of the Ballydoyle teamCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

"My first encounter with Tommy was in 1969. He rode Dictora to win the Galway Hurdle and my dad had an order for a horse from an American client to go and run in the first Colonial Cup. He bought Dictora after he won the Galway Hurdle and the Morgiana to go there, and Tommy rode him.  L'Escargot represented Ireland, Herring Gold, French Tan and Crisp all went as well.

"Me and Tommy were in America for three weeks and became friends. He was a great all-round man, a great stable man, jockey and he rode big winners on the Flat, over hurdles and fences. Any time I was down in his part of the country, I'd call in and have a chat about racing. I admired and respected him very much."

Murphy was predeceased by wife Celia but is survived by a large family.

He will repose at St Thomas the Apostle Church, Rosegreen on Friday from 5.30pm, with funeral prayers at 7.30pm. Requiem Mass is at 11am on Saturday at St James’ Church, O’Growney Street, Athboy, County Meath followed by burial in St Lawrence’s Churchyard, Rathmore.

Tommy Murphy 1936-2025:

Obituary: Tommy Murphy, Irish champion jockey and key figure across the eras at Ballydoyle