Title race: Oisin Murphy remains two clear of William Buick with two days to go

Oisin Murphy kept the gap in the British Flat jockeys' championship over William Buick to two after he landed a crucial winner in the title race at Chelmsford on Thursday.

The reigning champion, who saw his lead on the card cut to one when Buick won the mile novice on the card on Typical Woman, immediately struck back when guiding the Jamie Osborne-trained Notions to success in the 7f novice.

Both riders were out of luck on their other rides, including Buick suffering a shock reverse in the 7f novice when 2-9 favourite Lord Lovelace was turned over he was narrowly denied in the concluding mile handicap.

Murphy v Buick: who has the advantage as the championship reaches a climax?

Murphy was also narrowly denied when Dubai Icon was reeled in close home by outsider You're Hired in the feature mile handicap, but luckily escaped injury when his mount Discover Dubai fell in the 7f handicap.

The reigning champion sits narrowly on top on 151 wins ahead of Buick on 149 as he seeks a third jockeys' title in a row and Murphy revealed the effects a gruelling title duel has had in his quest for success following Notions' win.

Speaking to Racing TV, Murphy said: "I've been here before and I know this feeling well. It's not much fun, it's a lot of pressure. We should be enjoying it, but it's not that enjoyable. I'm doing my best and trying to make the most of the opportunities I'm getting.

Oisin Murphy: maintained gap of two following the action at Chelmsford on ThursdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

"I have nice rides tomorrow and at Ascot on Saturday and I must thank my agent and my trainers for putting me up, without the horses you don't get to ride winners – I need to make the most of every chance I get."

Following the night's action, Murphy remained the favourite to regain his crown with Paddy Power shortening him to 4-7 (from 4-6) and easing Buick to 11-8 (from 11-10). Murphy is the same price with Coral, with his title rival a 5-4 chance with that firm.

Paddy Power's spokesperson Paul Binfield said: "Jockeys are masters of precision timing and while most of this week it's looked like William was timing his title challenge perfectly, a score draw tonight means we now feel Oisin is one step closer to securing his championship hat-trick."

Chelmsford results, replays and analysis

Haydock Friday: who are their big chances?

Buick and Murphy will be at the same meetings for the final two days of the championship, with both travelling north to Haydock on Friday afternoon – Buick has a full book of eight rides while Murphy has five – before facing off at Ascot on Champions Day on Saturday.

One of the key battles between the pair on the card could be in the 7f nursery (), where Buick's Dukedom and Murphy's Superior Force are set to be towards the head of the betting.

However – just like at Chelmsford – Buick will be hoping to gain a quick advantage over his adversary in the first two races, the 5f nursery () in which he partners Suanni, and on the Tom Dascombe-trained Noteable in the 6f fillies' novice (), with Murphy not in action in both.

All smiles: William Buick returns having notched a winner at Chelmsford on ThursdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

The reigning champion starts his day on Beyond Equal in the 6f handicap (), but also sits out division one of the mile novice (), in which Buick rides likely short-priced favourite Mythical Dancer. However, he has a live chance to get among the winners on odds-on chance Magisterial in the second division ().

The pair then get the leg up on two live chances in the shape of Poet's Lady (Buick) and Twisted Reality (Murphy) in the mile handicap (), but it could be in the concluding 2m handicap () when Murphy may land another crucial winner as he partners the consistent Whitehaven for Hughie Morrison, while Buick teams up with Karl Burke on Socially Shady.

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