Oisin Murphy slams claims he acted ‘disgracefully’ in Goodwood stewards’ enquiry

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Maureen McLean/Shutterstock (16989883cg) Champion Jockey Oisin Murphy in the Winners Enclosure after riding horse BOLD IMPACT to win the Find Us At fitzdares.com Handicap Stakes, Class 4 at the Rum & Reggae Racenight at Royal Windsor Racecourse in Windsor, Berkshire. This was Champion Jockey Oisin Murphy’s 4th of five winners at Windsor tonight. Owner Mr Eric Gadsden, Trainer Rod Millman, Cullompton, Breeder D & E Phelan, Sponsor Millman Racing Club, Rod Millman Racing Ltd Horse Racing, Rum & Reggae Racenight, Royal Windsor Racecourse, Windsor, Berkshire, UK – 13 Jul 2026 Credit: Shutterstock Editorial OISIN MURPHY has been applauded for his honesty – after slamming claims he acted ‘disgracefully’ in a Goodwood stewards’ enquiry. Murphy and Tom Marquand were hauled in for questioning following the finish of the first race on day two of the Qatar festival. Tom Marquand, yellow cap, got the better of Oisin Murphy – but only after their evidence of the finish was heard in a stewards’ enquiry Credit: PA Murphy addressed his behaviour – lambasted by some – in a post on social media Marquand was first past the post on William Haggas’ 2-1 fav Infraad in the Coral Rewards Shaker Handicap over 1m4f, beating Murphy’s mount by a head. But in doing so he veered across the path of Murphy on the Andrew Balding-trained 9-4 shot Hatteen. The bing-bong sounded as Marquand was being interviewed live on ITV and cameras in the stewards’ room captured the entire enquiry. What was immediately noticeable was that Murphy did not appear to fight his corner all that much. He conceded Marquand had done all he could to keep his horse on a straight line and that any interference suffered was not enough to alter the result. The stewards decided the same – but Murphy was the subject of some vitriol from punters online. How it played out BOTH Oisin Murphy and Tom Marquand gave their evidence to three stewards. This is what they said… Oisin Murphy: “My horse is running straight and Tom’s horse is a bit more babyish. “We never made contact. I didn’t know Tom’s horse had shifted until quite close to the line. “I can’t for any certainty say I would have won if Tom’s horse hadn’t shifted out.” Tom Marquand: “He changed leads a couple of times and wobbled around a bit. “It was a little bit of greenness but didn’t feel like it was the difference between winning and losing. “It’s a tricky track but he did a really good job and found the line well. “Oisin came on my outside to challenge. For the first half furlong it was me following Oisin and then for three or four strides where my lad wanted to step out and was a little bit green. “My lad has won by a head and a stride after the line and back level he’s gone on by a neck.” They believed he did not argue his case strongly enough. One prominent racing account posted on X: “Whether it’s the correct call or not, that was disgraceful from Oisin Murphy in the stewards, you argue a case for the people you are riding for, not go in there saying ‘there is nothing to see here.'” Most read in Horse Racing Five-time champion jockey Murphy saw it differently, however. In reply to the post, he wrote: “With regards to my evidence in the stewards’ enquiry after Race 1 at Goodwood. “I felt my horse had every chance in the race. He went a head up about a furlong out. “I believe Tom Marquand did everything he could to stay straight. “I do not believe I should’ve lied in order to attempt to have the result called in my favour. “I wouldn’t want it happening to me.” The Irishman’s honesty was welcomed by the vast majority of punters and ITV viewers, with one writing to him: “You’re a class act, Oisin. “It was so refreshing to see a bit of honesty in the stewards’ room. “I didn’t have money on either horse but in my opinion, the outcome was correct. “I wish more sportsmen and women would follow your example.” FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here. Comment now