Hugh Murphy
Hugh's first win: Tom West, Leicester November 30, 1905
Hugh's first win: Tom West, Leicester November 30, 1905
Hugh and his old friend Tom West finished second in the 1907 Grand National.
Hugh and his old friend Tom West finished second in the 1907 Grand National.
Born circa 1887, National Hunt jockey Hugh Murphy rode a total of 78 winners over jumps in Britain between 1905 and 1922 and was placed in two Grand Nationals from just three attempts during a career compromised by the First World War.
Born circa 1887, National Hunt jockey Hugh Murphy rode a total of 78 winners over jumps in Britain between 1905 and 1922 and was placed in two Grand Nationals from just three attempts during a career compromised by the First World War.
Hugh first rode in Britain at Wolverhampton on October 2, 1905, making an unfortunate debut when his mount, the unluckily-named Thirteen, broke down in a handicap hurdle.
Hugh first rode in Britain at Wolverhampton on October 2, 1905, making an unfortunate debut when his mount, the unluckily-named Thirteen, broke down in a handicap hurdle.
The following month, Hugh recorded his first British victory aboard Tom West, a 6-1 chance, in the Sileby Handicap Chase at Leicester on November 30, 1905. Tom West was to prove a good friend to Hugh. They took part in three consecutive Grand Nationals, coming second, beaten six lengths by Eremon in 1907, falling in 1908, then finishing fourth behind Lutteur III in 1909.
The following month, Hugh recorded his first British victory aboard Tom West, a 6-1 chance, in the Sileby Handicap Chase at Leicester on November 30, 1905. Tom West was to prove a good friend to Hugh. They took part in three consecutive Grand Nationals, coming second, beaten six lengths by Eremon in 1907, falling in 1908, then finishing fourth behind Lutteur III in 1909.
Away from Aintree, Hugh rode Tom West to victory in three handicap chases at Leicester and one at Manchester. He also finished third on him in the 1908 Lancashire Chase.
Away from Aintree, Hugh rode Tom West to victory in three handicap chases at Leicester and one at Manchester. He also finished third on him in the 1908 Lancashire Chase.
Hugh never won a race of any great significance. His best year numerically was in 1907 when he rode 19 winners, the only time he attained a double-figure score, his next best being nine winners in 1921.
Hugh never won a race of any great significance. His best year numerically was in 1907 when he rode 19 winners, the only time he attained a double-figure score, his next best being nine winners in 1921.
He rode his last winner on Farm Gamp, the 5-2 on favourite, in the Bostel Handicap Hurdle at Plumpton on December 12, 1922. He rode for the final time on January 15, 1927, when finishing last on Witton Fell in the Richmond Maiden Hurdle at Hurst Park.
He rode his last winner on Farm Gamp, the 5-2 on favourite, in the Bostel Handicap Hurdle at Plumpton on December 12, 1922. He rode for the final time on January 15, 1927, when finishing last on Witton Fell in the Richmond Maiden Hurdle at Hurst Park.
Eremon made every yard of the running to win the 1907 Grand National.
Eremon made every yard of the running to win the 1907 Grand National.
Hugh is seen finishing second on Tom West
Hugh is seen finishing second on Tom West