Murphy To Cease Training

Colm Murphy | Racing Post

Multiple Cheltenham Festival wining trainer Colm Murphy is to hand in his trainer's licence. The Wexford based trainer, best known for his handling of Grade 1 winners Big Zeb (Ire) (Oscar {Ire}), Brave Inca (Ire) (Good Thyne) and Feathard Lady (Ire) (Accordion {GB}) made the shock announcement citing financial reasons for his motive in winding down his business. “It's something I've been thinking about for the last while and after a few difficult years, my accountancy background told me we just can't make it pay any more,” said Murphy. “It's been a very difficult decision and not one we've made lightly, but in the end, it was a financial decision that was made for us,” he added. Although Murphy had endured a few lean years following the exploits of Champion Hurdler Brave Inca  and Champion Chaser Big Zeb it appeared he was set for a return to the limelight following a Cheltenham Festival victory with the Gigginstown House Stud owned Empire Of Dirt (Ire) (Westerner {GB}) last year. He had also received a boost last season by receiving several horses owned by Alan & Ann Potts including the Grade 1 winner Sizing Granite (Ire) (Milan {GB}). Between 2004 and 2011 Murphy trained an amazing 19 Grade 1 winners and reflecting on those glory years he said. “We've been very fortunate to have some fantastic horses over the years and I want to thank all the owners and staff that have given us so much support. Winning the Champion Hurdle and the Champion Chase [at Cheltenham] were great days and I suppose last year's Cheltenham winner was so sweet as it had been tough going for so long.” Regarding future plans Murphy added, “I'm not sure what I'm going to do, to be honest. I'll take a bit of time and see what opportunities arise.

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