AFTER a wonderful week riding at Royal Ascot, Irish flat jockey Oisin Murphy (25) switched his focus to show jumping at The Al Shira’aa Jumping Championships in Hickstead last weekend, where he finished second in Saturday morning’s 1.10m Amateur Final in the iconic main arena.

He rode the 17-year-old gelding Tiger, owned by show jumpers James Davenport and Angelie Von Essen, to the runner-up position when producing an excellent clear round against the clock.

Murphy, who is the reigning champion flat jockey in Britain, admitted he struggled to get to grips in the ring the first day and forgot his course!

“It was quite embarrassing,” he said. “In racing, I ride so many races that it is almost second nature, I don’t have to overthink.

“In show jumping, I have a course to follow and it is difficult for me to get the pieces together. But I love it and I am working hard at it.

“I haven’t done it since I was 14. On the days I’ve been suspended I’ve been going for lessons with Richard Howley based up in Yorkshire. Lucinda Roche is a friend of mine and has a yard in Coventry, we own a horse together.

“I felt a little bit of extra pressure. I must admit I never really get nervous but walking the course in the main ring there was a little bit of pressure at not wanting to forget the course. Thankfully it all went well.”

He was juggling jumping and racing last weekend, jumping at Hickstead in the morning and racing at Newmarket in the afternoon.