Tom Marquand should be favourite for jockeys' title, says champion Oisin Murphy

Champion jockey Oisin Murphy has said that Tom Marquand should be favourite to win the title this year as he prepares for a tough fight to land his third championship.

Murphy, speaking to the Racing Post for a major interview in Sunday's newspaper as he spent time in quarantine after his return from riding in Dubai, reeled off a list of potential rivals this year, including William Buick and Jim Crowley, but revealed that Marquand is the one he fears most.

"It's very open and there's so many good young riders in the UK," he said. "Who knows who should be favourite? I think it ought to be Tom. He's young and ambitious, and definitely has the ability to be a champion."

Oisin Murphy: reigning champion jockeyCredit: George Selwyn

Murphy admitted he would not relish the kind of close battle he had with Buick last year, saying: "I don't enjoy it. When I've tried as hard as I have for several months, I don't like the stress. It comes with the territory but I'd much rather be 30 winners in front.

"You're always looking at your own rides, as well as other people's results. Alongside riding out and the day-to-day logistics, it's a lot to think about.

"If you had a camera in the weighing room at Chelmsford in October and saw mine and William's faces when we were fighting at the top with a ride in every single race, I think you'd agree enjoyment might not be the word.

"It was a great relief to get the last championship over the line and it would be brilliant to win a third but I'm under no illusions – it will be very difficult and big winners are important to the people I ride for. I only won three Group 1s last season so I want to get more of those on the board as well."

Read more from Oisin Murphy in The Big Read, available online for Members' Club Ultimate subscribers from 6pm on Saturday or in Sunday's Racing Post newspaper. Join Members' Club here.

Read more:

Oisin Murphy reveals he considered quitting the saddle after failed drugs test

Showjumping, fitness and charity: how Oisin Murphy will fill his days during ban

Oisin Murphy: I made a massive error and need to put things right

'Hopefully I ride 1,000 more' – Oisin Murphy still hungry after milestone win

Oisin Murphy receives three-month ban after French cocaine positive

For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets