In an exclusive interview with BoyleSports, Olly Murphy opens up about some of the biggest challenges facing British racing, starting with the ongoing issue of prize money.
While improvements have been made, Murphy highlights the tracks that are still falling short, calling out the disparity in prize offerings and their impact on the sport. He also shares his thoughts on the debate surrounding media rights and the need for better financial support for owners.
Murphy discusses the importance of attracting younger audiences to racing, reflecting on his own experience with the documentary Full Gallop and his efforts to bring fresh blood into the sport.
Plus, he gives a glimpse into his personal life, sharing his passion for one Premier League team and reveals his ambition in horse racing.
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Certain Tracks Ought To Be Ashamed of Themselves For Appalling Prize Money On Offer
Our premier days now are a big improvement from what they have been in recent years. But there are still certain tracks here putting up appalling prize money and certain tracks which are making a big effort.
And it’s just plain as day to see now, without me naming any, tracks that are putting on 6,000 quid added for a handicap and 3,500 quid for a bumper, they should be ashamed of themselves, and they theoretically shouldn't be supported.
But we've got that many horses training in England, we've got to run them, so we have to end up supporting those races to one, get young horses started, and two, we've got that many horses to run we can't run them all in the same races. So we end up having to support bad prize money, which is theoretically not the way it should be happening.
Trainers Wanting Money To Speak To The Broadcasters? Not Exactly
It was all put across wrong in the aspect of trainers wanting to get paid. Trainers aren't wanting to get paid. Trainers are wanting money from these media rights to be going back into the sport and going back to our owners.
It's not that trainers want money to speak to the media. Trainers want the media rights that are going to racecourses that are putting up s**t prize money to go back into owners’ prize money, which it isn't doing.
Something was said, and fair play to Dan Skelton for standing up and making a point. His intentions were in the right place, and he was theoretically looking out for owners more so than himself.
This is What We Need To Attract A Younger Audience To Horse Racing
We need fresh blood and new owners.
John Hales passed away last week. We've obviously lost Trevor Hemmings and Paul Barber, amongst plenty of others. They've been stalwarts for years and years in the National Hunt sport. And, of course, we need young blood coming through. And I'm sure it will. But we've got to promote the sport. We've got to show young businessmen and women why they should come into racing and spend their money and have it as a passion.
The Success of Full Gallop
I’m doing it again this year. I think it promoted the sport pretty well. It was good, it was well done, and hopefully, they'll improve again in the next series.
Most People Don’t Know That...
I'm a big Aston Villa fan. I love spending my time at Villa Park now or at an away ground in the Premiership when I'm not racing.
It would be my one release away from horse racing.
They are my local team. I’ve got hospitality down there and take a lot of owners. I’ve supported them since I was a boy.
My Ambition In Life Outside Racing Is...
To see Aston Villa win the title.
My Ambition In Horse Racing Is…
To become Champion Trainer and compete at the top for many years to come.
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