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| Staff Writer |
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Britain's four-time champion jockey Oisin Murphy returns to Saudi Arabia this week with a stellar book of rides as the Riyadh season enters its penultimate stage.
The Irishman is looking to build on his recent success at King Abdulaziz Racecourse where he partnered Byzantine Dream (JPN) to victory in the Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap during the Saudi Cup meeting.
Murphy had earlier broken his Saudi duck during the Diriyah International Jockeys' Challenge before striking in the prestigious stayers' race, which preceded the epic battle between Forever Young and Romantic Warrior in the main event.
"It was brilliant to win at The Saudi Cup meeting – I thought it was very well organised and it was a fantastic event," said Murphy.
The in-demand rider has secured a prime opportunity standing in for suspended jockey Camilo Ospina in the famous white colours of King Abdullah Bin A\Aziz Sons across three days of racing action.
"I am going to be riding Thursday, Friday and Saturday this week and there are some nice races over the three days," Murphy explained.
"I am riding for one of the leading stables as Camilo is unfortunately serving a whip suspension – hopefully the horses can go very well and we can get some good results."
His headline rides include Prince Khalid Abdullah Cup winner Bolide Porto (IRE), along with the talented mare Motathabetah (KSA) who captured a domestic Gr.1 in January and contests Friday's Abdullah bin Ibrahim Aba Alkhail Award Race.
Saturday sees Murphy partner Carmel Road (USA) in the North America Cup, completing an impressive roster of mounts.
Murphy has been maintaining a hectic schedule, riding winners at Lingfield Park on Wednesday having competed at Dubai's Super Saturday meeting last weekend.
"It is a very busy time of year for me but I really enjoy it and it is great to be part of this international schedule, particularly when the horses have chances," he added.