Oisin Murphy to Leave Qatar Racing Role After More Than a Decade as Retained Jockey

Five-time British Champion Jockey Oisin Murphy is set to end his long-standing role as Qatar Racing’s retained rider at the conclusion of the 2026 Flat racing season, bringing an official partnership spanning more than a decade to a close.

The announcement was made today, with Sheikh Fahad Al Thani’s Qatar Racing operation confirming that the decision follows a reduction in the number of horses it has in training in Britain.

Murphy, 31, has been associated with Qatar Racing for much of his professional career, enjoying considerable success in some of the world’s most prestigious Flat races. His achievements in the operation’s colours include nine Group 1 victories, most notably aboard Roaring Lion and Kameko.

Although his official retainership will end, both parties have confirmed that their relationship remains positive, with Murphy expected to continue representing Qatar Racing internationally whenever possible.

Why Is Oisin Murphy Leaving Qatar Racing?

Qatar Racing’s decision to end Murphy’s retainership comes as the ownership operation reduces its involvement in British racing, with fewer horses requiring the services of a contracted first-choice jockey.

Murphy was initially appointed as Qatar Racing’s second jockey in 2015 before succeeding Andrea Atzeni as its leading rider in 2016. The partnership subsequently developed into one of the most successful owner-jockey relationships in modern British Flat racing.

Sheikh Fahad has made clear that the decision reflects Qatar Racing’s changing priorities rather than any disagreement between the two parties.

The announcement also brings a significant change to Murphy’s career following a successful association that has seen him establish himself among the leading jockeys in British racing.

Responding to the news, Murphy said:

“I’m eternally grateful to Sheikh Fahad and his family for the support they have shown me on and off the track.”

The Irish jockey also thanked Qatar Racing’s bloodstock and racing manager David Redvers, alongside the wider team, for their contribution to his career.

Roaring Lion and an Unforgettable 2018 Season

Perhaps the greatest achievement of Murphy’s partnership with Qatar Racing came in 2018, when he partnered the John Gosden-trained Roaring Lion to four consecutive Group 1 victories.

The talented grey enjoyed an outstanding three-year-old campaign, establishing himself as one of Europe’s leading racehorses with victories at Sandown, York, Leopardstown and Ascot.

Their first Group 1 triumph came in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown, before Roaring Lion produced another impressive performance to win the Juddmonte International Stakes at York.

Further success followed in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, while victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot completed a remarkable sequence of four top-level wins.

Roaring Lion was subsequently named Cartier Horse of the Year in 2018, while also receiving the award for champion three-year-old colt. His achievements helped establish Murphy’s reputation as one of the outstanding young jockeys in European racing.

The pair’s success remains one of the defining chapters of Murphy’s career and Qatar Racing’s history.

Perhaps the greatest achievement of Murphy’s partnership with Qatar Racing came in 2018, when he partnered the John Gosden -trained Roaring Lion to four consecutive Group 1 victories.

Kameko Delivers Classic Success at Newmarket

Another significant moment in Murphy’s association with Qatar Racing came in June 2020, when he partnered Kameko to victory in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket.

Trained by Andrew Balding, Kameko defeated a competitive field to secure Murphy’s first British Classic victory, breaking the course record for the Rowley Mile in the process.

The success followed their victory in the Group 1 Futurity Trophy Stakes at Newcastle in November 2019, underlining Kameko’s considerable ability as a two-year-old.

Murphy also enjoyed major victories in Qatar Racing’s colours aboard Lightning Spear, who won the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood in 2018, Sunway in the 2023 Critérium International and New Century in the 2024 Summer Stakes.

His relationship with the operation began even before his formal appointment, with Hot Streak providing Murphy with his first Group-race victory in the 2014 Temple Stakes at Haydock Park.

Together, these achievements have contributed to an impressive record of nine Group 1 wins for Qatar Racing.

Five Champion Jockey Titles During Qatar Racing Partnership

Murphy’s rise to the top of British Flat racing has been closely connected with his association with Qatar Racing.

He secured his first British Champion Jockey title in 2019 before successfully defending the crown in 2020 and 2021. Further championships followed in 2024 and 2025, taking his overall tally to five.

The partnership also continued through difficult periods in Murphy’s career, including the 14-month suspension he received following breaches of racing’s alcohol and coronavirus regulations.

Qatar Racing publicly supported Murphy during his suspension, and he subsequently returned to become British Champion Jockey on two further occasions.

His attempt to secure a sixth title in 2026 was unsuccessful, with rising star Billy Loughnane claiming his first championship earlier this month.

Despite relinquishing the title, Murphy remains firmly established among the leading riders in the weighing room, with his record at the highest level continuing to make him an attractive proposition for major owners and trainers.

What Next for Oisin Murphy?

Murphy’s departure from his Qatar Racing retainership coincides with plans to take up a new international opportunity in Dubai alongside trainer Ed Crisford.

Earlier this month, it was confirmed that Crisford would begin a new role as private trainer to ARM Racing at Jebel Ali, having previously trained alongside his father, Simon Crisford, in Newmarket.

Murphy is expected to join Crisford’s operation following the Breeders’ Cup, providing the five-time Champion Jockey with another opportunity to compete at the highest level during the international racing season.

His new commitments do not necessarily mean the end of his appearances in Qatar Racing’s colours, however, with the operation indicating that it hopes to continue using his services whenever possible.

For Qatar Racing, the announcement represents a significant change following more than a decade of success with one of Britain’s most recognisable jockeys.

For Murphy, it marks the beginning of another chapter in a career that has already delivered five jockeys’ championships, Classic victories and numerous major international successes.

Oisin Murphy FAQs

Why is Oisin Murphy leaving Qatar Racing?

Oisin Murphy’s role as Qatar Racing’s retained jockey is ending because the ownership operation is reducing the number of horses it has in training in Britain. Both parties have confirmed that their relationship remains positive.

How long has Oisin Murphy been with Qatar Racing?

Murphy first rode a winner for Qatar Racing in 2014, became its second jockey in 2015 and was promoted to first jockey in 2016. His official retainership will conclude at the end of the 2026 Flat racing season.

How many Champion Jockey titles has Oisin Murphy won?

Oisin Murphy has won five British Flat Champion Jockey titles, securing the championship in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2024 and 2025.

What is Oisin Murphy’s next role?

Murphy is expected to work with trainer Ed Crisford at his new ARM Racing operation in Dubai following the 2026 Breeders’ Cup. He may also continue riding Qatar Racing horses internationally.

Which famous horses has Oisin Murphy ridden for Qatar Racing?

Murphy’s most successful Qatar Racing partnerships include Roaring Lion, Kameko, Lightning Spear, Sunway and New Century. Roaring Lion was particularly successful in 2018, winning four consecutive Group 1 races under Murphy.