Oisin Murphy enjoys victory on high-profile South African card

Oisin Murphy left it late to strike in South Africa on Saturday, with sporting royalty joining the globetrotting jockey in the winner’s enclosure as Gary Player also tasted success on Kenilworth’s feature King’s Plate card.

Multiple British champion Flat jockey Murphy is determined to keep busy during the winter months and was seen scooping Classic honours in India recently.

Having ridden in Johannesburg’s Summer Cup in November, he returned to South Africa for one of the biggest days on the country’s racing calendar, with clear blue skies and temperatures of around 30C marking the occasion.

Murphy had seven rides at the Cape Town track, and had to wait until the final race on the card to notch up a winner aboard Justin Snaith’s Sail The Seas in the A Case Of You Middle Stakes.

“It all worked out very well for me and I am delighted to be able to ride for the Snaiths,” said Murphy.

“This group of owners have been tremendously hospitable and keen.

“I think the people behind this fixture, L’Ormarins and Hollywoodbets, should be immensely proud.”

The Irishman had earlier finished fourth aboard the Snaith-trained Royal Aussie in the L’Ormarins King’s Plate itself, a race won by Vaughan Marshall’s outstanding colt One Stripe.

“I have to admit it rode like a weak Group (Grade) One, but I had a lovely trip on my horse with no excuses,” said Murphy.

“I decided to shadow Gavin (Lerena, on One Stripe) and although things opened up lovely for me I could see Gavin had me covered.

“I was always in good shape for the podium and he galloped all the way to the line.”

The 29-year-old had earlier filled the same position on Snaith’s Summer Lily in the Cartier Sceptre Stakes and added: “Summer Lily ran a cracker, she had a great run through and hopefully can win at Group level.”

Arguably stealing the show were the jubilant scenes for golfing hero Player, 89, one of South Africa’s most decorated sportsmen.

Famed for his black attire on the golf course, there was nothing dull about the grand slam winner’s mood at Kenilworth as he led in the Snaith-trained Double Grand Slam after her win in the Grade One Cartier Paddock Stakes.

Double Grand Slam could go on to represent Player at the Breeders’ Cup later in the year, while the afternoon for the ‘Black Knight’ would get even better when King Pelles led home a one-two for the part-owner in the Glorious Goodwood Chairman’s Cup.

“We are looking at the possibility of representing South Africa at the Breeders’ Cup in America,” said Player, who owns Double Grand Slam alongside Gaynor Rupert of Drakenstein Stud and David Maclean.

“My American girlfriend (Susan Waterfall) is here and my son from America. My girlfriend has never been to a race meeting in her life. They’ve all contributed to make it a great day.”