During a ten year plus association the five-time champion jockey enjoyed big race successes on the likes of Roaring Lion, Kameko and Lightning Spear

Oisin Murphy’s ten plus years association with Qatar Racing is to conclude at the end of the year. The five-time champion jockey enjoyed some of his biggest early successes as retained rider to the operation headed by Sheikh Fahad Al Thani.

He rode nine Group or Grade 1 winners for the team, notably on Roaring Lion, who won four top level races in a row in 2018 and landed the 2,000 Guineas on Kameko in 2020. However Qatar Racing now has and will have fewer horses in training and as a result his contract is not being renewed.

Sheikh Fahad said: “It’s been a wonderful journey, and I have loved watching Oisin rise to the top and become one of the very best jockeys in the world.

“He remains a very close friend, and this arrangement is ending only because of a chance in focus for Qatar Racing.”

Murphy was still in his teens when he first linked up with Qatar Racing and was promoted to number one jockey in 2015.

Sheikh Fahad stood by him when he was banned for a cocaine offence, blamed on environmental contamination, and when he was suspended for 14 months for breachiing COVID-19 travel protocols and two failed breath tests.

Qatar Racing’s bloodstock and racing manager David Redvers said: ”From the first day we met Oisin at Kingsclere, his talent and hunger set him apart. Watching everything he has achieved has given us immense pride.

“There have inevitably been a few bumps along the road, but Oisin will always be family to the Qatar Racing ream and a close friend to us all.

“He has been part of our greatest days on the racecourse and a tremendous asset for more than a decade. We look forward to him riding for us whenever possible for many years to come.”

Murphy said: "I’m eternally grateful to Sheikh Fahad and his family for the support they have shown me on and off the track. We’ve enjoyed incredible success together, days I will never forget.

"To his team of David Redvers, Hannah Wall, Bryony Rusbridge and everyone who’s made our success possible, thank you so much. I was privileged to fulfil many of my dreams in Qatar Racing colours on truly world-class horses. I would like to wish everyone at Qatar Racing the very best going forward."