Murphy wins Japan Cup on Suave Richard

Britain’s champion jockey Oisin Murphy has capped his year with victory in the Japan Cup aboard Suave Richard.

Murphy has enjoyed a landmark 12 months, being crowned top jockey for the first time, and he teamed up with the Yasushi Shono-trained five-year-old in the Tokyo Group One race.

Suave Richard was third at the top of the straight in the 12-furlong (2400m) contest, but switched to the rail by Murphy, he found an extra burst to grab the lead.

Murphy’s mount went on to win by three-quarters of a length with Curren Bouquetd’or second and Wagnerian third.

“I suppose it’s a dream come true to have won this race. I was happy with Suave Richard in his gallops and he felt brilliant,” Murphy said.

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“The Japan Cup is one of the most famous races around the world and it’s very hard to win, so I wasn’t confident but very hopeful.

“Suave Richard has got a lot of quality. He’s a very good mover with a lot of pace.

“On this (yielding) ground, horses get very tired and so I just wanted him to keep on going and after a big race it’s very hard to immediately understand how important it is, but sure the Japan Cup for me is one of the best races in the world and I won’t sleep for a week.

“It’s a big relief as I want to win Group Ones all over the world.

“The quality in Japan is really high and the world stage will be hearing a lot more about Japanese horses.”

Murphy rode in Australia as an apprentice and has made several return visits to ride in major races.