SIXTY SECONDS WITH WINNO - JACKSON MURPHY

By Darren Winningham | Friday, July 27, 2018

SIXTY SECONDS WITH WINNO

JACKSON MURPHY - Jockey – based at Eagle Farm with Chris Anderson as his master

Last weekend I went to the track expecting to see history created for a couple of apprentice jockeys who looked set to ride their first Saturday metropolitan winners. As it turned out one turned into a success story, the other into a nightmare.

Jackson Murphy scored his first Saturday metropolitan winner in the first race of the day on San Telmo and then backed up with another winner later in the day on Pressway. A winning metropolitan double – now that is something to brag about!

Not really having met Jackson in person before I had nicknamed him “Action Jackson” as I was a fan when he was riding around the Mid North Coast on NSW and being very successful. The name came from the fact that I thought he would get the job done when he was on a horse.

Around nine months ago I heard that he had made Brisbane his home … linking up with the astute Chris Anderson stables at Eagle Farm. I kept my eye on him whilst he rode at the provincial tracks and the Gold Coast where he has successfully ridden 24 winners and 33 placings.

But the question remained – who is Jackson Murphy? What is his background? Where did he come from?
Well, you guessed it – WINNO put the hard hat on and went in search of these answers.

What I found out when I met with him was that he is a very humble young man and well-grounded, although he tells me he has a “rat bag” side that comes out when it is appropriate.

At 22 years of age and with his recent success around South East Queensland and the support of the Chris Anderson stables - who he has now ridden 11 winners for – and the support from other trainers this young man seems to be on the road to success.

So here is the story of Jackson Murphy – he did manage to go blow for blow with WINNO and manage a few smiles!

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Jackson – I hear you were born in NSW?

I was born at Lake Munmorah – Central Coast and moved to mid North Coast.

(I just knew you were a quality person mate – I came from the Central Coast as well!)

So how did you become a jockey mate?

Well my family was friends with Malcolm Fitzgerald. He was one of the co-ordinators of apprentices. We contacted him and I went to work with Stephen (“Crusher”) Farley at Wyong. Then in a short period I got a job with Grant Prosser at Wauchope.

You moved up there?

Yes mate. At the age of 17 I left home and moved. I went there not knowing anything. I had no idea of what I was doing riding wise. They taught me everything I know.

So how long have you been riding for?

Two-an-a-half years.

What has been you best race horse to date?

Mine Freak. It was trained by Grant Prosser. I rode him to get my first win. I think I rode him to another six wins after that as well!

Do you have a nickname?

My folks call me “Jacko.” When I moved to Wauchope they called my “McLovin” as I was very innocent (so they say) and a bit of a nerdy type of kid when I came!

(Wow – “McLovin” – isn’t he the nerdy character out of Superbad – the character known at Fogell. They were complete fools)!

I must ask then are you a nerd and a little foolish?

No! I do not see myself that way.

What’s the best thing about being a jockey?

Riding winners. Especially now I am riding in town. Probably the horses as well – they are amazing animals. Plus, the wonderful people you meet at the races. This is a real highlight as well.

What’s your worst habit then?

Biting my nails. It is just a habit I have always had!

(WINNO goes in for a survey – mate there are none left – they are short and nothing left of them)!

Should I ask where you put them?

I spit them out WINNO – I don’t eat them!

What do you do when you cannot sleep?

Watch a movie or go through form for my upcoming rides.

Jockeys start early in the morning what time do you get up to start work?

3.15am – I am at the track around 3.45am – religiously every day. I only get Sundays off! The boss (Chris Anderson) is really good – he lets me have the afternoon shift off so I can focus on my riding.

How do you prefer to be woken up in the morning?

Not necessarily preferred but normally with my girlfriend kicking me and telling me to get up because my alarm is going off. It is not ideal but that is what I get.

A memorable horse or performance for you?

That is very easy WINNO. Riding a double at Doomben last weekend (21.7.18). It is something that I have strived for. Even before I started riding my desire was to become a city class jockey and be able to ride winners in the city.

The other one would have to be winning my first race on Mine Freak for Grant Prosser – it was a special day – my family were all present and there to support me. The other reason it meant a lot to me was it was for a trainer who taught me a lot and a horse that I had a fair bit of success on.

What was the turning point in your career?

A phone call from Jake Hull telling me that Chris Anderson was looking for an apprentice at Eagle Farm around nine months ago. Things have changed so much since then!

What are you always late for?

Appointments – I seem to always turn up late.

If you were not a jockey what would you be doing?

A fitness or personal trainer.

Why?

I am a fitness freak – my girlfriend and I go to the gym religiously.

Okay since you are so fit how much do you weigh?

Only 49 kilograms WINNO!

(I just hate you Jackson! You put me to shame!)

What is your favourite music?

Hip Hop.

What is your favourite musician?

Post Malone.

What is the most embarrassing song on your phone?

I have a selection of Justin Bieber songs on my phone. I don’t really like him but I have them!

What is your favourite gadget?

My phone.

What would you choose as your last meal?

My girlfriend’s roast dinners – they are the best!

Okay I hear that Kaitlyn Wilkes is your girlfriend – how does she go overall in the kitchen?

She goes very good! She makes an awesome roast dinner. Roast vegetables – potato – pumpkin – sometimes sweet potato and most important is the gravy.

Is Kaitlyn a labels girl?

She loves her labels – I do spoil her!

Does she have many handbags?

Well, not too many actually – I recently bought her a $500 Marc Jacobs hand bag. It was on sale though!

So – I assume you are a cheap bastard?

No, I just like good value for money!

Has she had a reason to whack you with it yet?

I do frustrate her a lot – but she hasn’t hit me with it yet! To be honest she is not one for violence anyway. Just quietly WINNO – I do frustrate her a lot!

What fragrances does she like?

Anything from Chanel.

Do you have a fragrance that you like?

Million by Paco Rabanne.

(I thought he was making this up – until I found it on the net!)

Is that some sought or hidden statement Jackson?

Not really.

Name one person who you want to have dinner with?

Ron Quinton as he was a genius and a wonderful jockey. Hugh Bowman as he is a great rider and has great tactics. Malcolm Johnston – as he was a great rider. I reckon they could all teach me different facets of my riding and make me a better more complete jockey.

(Really Malcolm Johnston – he would teach you to knock them down?)

No, I think he could steer me in the right direction to give me more confidence. I think that this is something I struggle with. I think that sometimes I feel that I don’t have the confidence that I need in my career. But, I think I am slowly building on that. It’s something that I am still working on.

Name one thing you could not live without?

My phone – it is an iPhone “X” just a black one.

What is your greatest fear?

Failing. I hate failing in my job and I hate thinking that I have let people down.

Do you have any other fears … like snakes and spiders?

No not really – I am not scared of them!

One of your favourite places to be?

Hawaii.

Name a place you have travelled to and liked?

Like I said, Hawaii – I have been there a few times now. I love the beaches and the surf. Being a Central Coast lad where the surf and beaches are great this is one of my favourite places to travel to and holiday.

NRL/AFL favourite team?

NRL – Newcastle Knights – but I really don’t follow it. AFL – Not a fan. Don’t follow it
.
State of Origin time – NSW or QLD?

NSW! - I bleed BLUE!

Who do you talk on the phone the most to?

My parents … my boss Chris Anderson or my manager Ken Gentles.

Seriously, why would you want to talk to Chris Anderson?

Well he is my boss.

You know he rates himself as a prospective Wimbledon champion – did you say the way he held that trophy aloft at Grafton over the recent Carnival down there?

Yes, I did – but no comment!

What are you grateful for everyday?

Just to wake up and do what I love every day. See the people who mean the most to me every day.

What item symbolises Australia for you?

The Harbour Bridge.

What do you like to put on a sandwich?

I love Nutella on white bread – I love my Nutella!

(That stuff is gross. It looks like …. )

It may look like it but it is yum.

What toppings do you like on your pizza?

BBQ Meatlovers – BBQ sauce.

How do you define success?

Being able to keep fit and healthy and do something I love every day. Being the best at what you do and never stop learning.

Okay – explain that Jackson?

Well WINNO – no matter what you do I think you can always keep learning each day. No matter who you are or what you are doing you can learn. So, no matter if you are a Hugh Bowman or whoever – you can always improve and be better both at what you do and as a person.

Who is you man crush?

James McDonald – fellow jockey. He is such a successful jockey and he has achieved so much as a young rider.

Who is your female crush?

Margot Robbie.

Tell us something that may surprise us about you?

People think that I am very quiet and introverted. But those who really know me know me as being loud and out there and somewhat weird.

How do you go at sports?

Well I hit okay at golf. But I also rate myself over 100 metres as a sprinter. I go okay actually – I am fast.

Do you think you have got Beau Appo covered – he rates himself?

WINNO – I am fast. I think I would beat him over 100 metres by a few metres. In the end I must just beat him by at least a short half head!

(Wow I see you are competitive – that will hold you in good stead as a jockey!)

So as for pests at the track?

Luke Dittman for sure.

Why?

He loves to stir the pot in the jockey’s room and a lot of us kids and other jockeys try to one up him and shit him down. But he always seems to have a comeback and something to say to shut us down.

Do you drive a car?

Subaru WRX – I love Subaru’s. It is white.

Well who drives the Subaru?

I do most of the time. I take my girlfriend places, but when I am coming home from the races or I am tired she will drive.

(If you ever want to upgrade, I will hook you up! Zupps Subaru at Mt Gravatt mate – they are the best! They just sold me my new Subaru!)

I did see that on Facebook WINNO – it looked good!

If you are down to your last $10 what would you spend it on?

Probably buy some chocolate.

Would you share it with Kaitlyn?

Um – no – well, yes – No I would eat it all!

(Finally, I got you says WINNO – here I was thinking you were “whipped.”)

Some people think that but it is not true!

So, it sounds like you spoil her mate?

Yes, I do.

When you are in trouble or just want to make a statement to Kaitlyn do you buy her chocolates or flowers?

I get her both she is special to me!

(Wow – it is true love!).

WINNO – I love her! We have been together for around 1 year and 8 months. We moved in together and have been inseparable.

That’s a great note to end on.

Thanks for spending 60 seconds with Winno!

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