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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Melissa Jones

Oisin Murphy lays bare career highs and lows in series by 'Wagatha Christie' doc makers

Makers of the highly-anticipated 'Wagatha Christie' trial documentary will give viewers unseen access into the world of horse racing.

Lorton Entertainment, who were also behind the feature programme 'Rooney', are releasing a new four-part series. 'Horsepower' focuses on three-time champion jockey Oisin Murphy and top trainer Andrew Balding as they build up to Royal Ascot.

Filmed from autumn 2020 through to the summer of 2021, the documentary captures the ups and downs of Murphy's career.

The top rider served a three-month ban from racing in 2020 after he tested positive for cocaine. A separate case found he broke Covid protocols, misled BHA officials and acted in a manner prejudicial to the proper integrity, conduct and good reputation of the sport.

Murphy, who also failed two breath tests, was handed a 14-month ban and is unable to reapply for his riding licence until February 2023.

In the trailer for 'Horsepower,' the 26-year-old, champion of the sport three years in a row, said he wanted to proved he was "as good as ever" at Ascot 2021.

"All the ups and downs of being a champion jockey are laid bare on Horsepower, this is where I tell my story," Murphy said.

"I allowed the Horsepower cameras to see me at my best and my worst because I want people to understand the pressures that come with success for a jockey. The series brilliantly captures this during what was a very challenging time in my career.”

Murphy was leading jockey at Royal Ascot in 2021, riding five winners to finish one ahead of Ryan Moore. His final victory on Foxes Tales, a horse trained by Balding, saw him scoop the title.

Jockey Oisin Murphy and trainer Andrew Balding celebrate a Royal Ascot winner (Equine Productions)

Earlier at the meeting the pair combined to take the Group 1 Coronation Stakes with Alcohol Free.

Last year, Murphy temporarily relinquished his race-riding licence to focus on his rehabilitation, which has included attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. He has been riding out for Balding, competed in showjumping competitions and taken more of an interest in his football team, Chelsea FC.

Murphy has spoken about the ongoing support he has received from Balding's wife Anna Lisa, who also features in the documentary.

Horsepower, produced in conjunction with Equine Productions, launches on September 23 exclusively on Prime Video in the UK and Ireland.

Andrew Balding said: " Viewers get to go behind the scenes and see how a racehorse trainer and his team operate, including the meticulous preparation ahead of races both abroad and in the UK, culminating with the five days of Royal Ascot. Horsepower showcases the highs and lows of this incredible sport and I am very proud to be a part of it.”

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