Murphy returns to the saddle
31 May 2002
Jump jockey Timmy Murphy is back in action this weekend as France looks forward to Sunday’s Prix du Jockey-Club
Jump jockey Timmy Murphy returns to action at Stratford tomorrow (Saturday 1 June) seven weeks after being arrested and charged with indecent assault.
The 27-year-old, rated among the most talented in the pack chasing champion Tony McCoy, is alleged to have assaulted a female flight attendant while returning from Japan where he had ridden in the Nakayama Grand Jump. He was bailed at Uxbridge Magistrates Court and is due to reappear on 13 June.
Timmy, who has been receiving treatment for alcohol-related problems, has been riding out this week in preparation for his comeback. He is looking forward to putting his problems behind him and has been booked to ride Firestone in the Walls and Ceilings International Handicap Hurdle and Khatani in the Llewellyn Humphreys Handicap Chase.
“I’m pleased to be returning and am looking forward to building on last season’s best ever total of 98 winners. I have been receiving treatment for alcohol-related problems and I am grateful to those who have helped me. I am back in a position where I feel confident to return to riding,” said Timmy.
Top action in France
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On a quiet weekend of flat racing, the main event is Sunday’s Prix du Jockey-Club (French Derby) at Chantilly where the only English challenger is the Mark Johnston-trained Simeon, who has been supplemented for the Chantilly classic at a cost of £40,000.
Act One, the favourite, carries the colours of Gerald Leigh, one of the most respected and successful owner-breeders in England. Gerald, who is battling against cancer, was unable to be at The Curragh on Sunday to see his homebred filly Gossamer run away with the Irish 1000 Guineas.
Victory in the Prix du Jockey-Club with Act One, another homebred, would mean an historic achievement of two European classics within seven days.
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