'He wasn't cheap!' - how Oisin Murphy came to buy star sprinter Dragon Symbol

The champion jockey purchased the son of Cable Bay from Norman Williamson

Oisin Murphy: bought Dragon Symbol from Norman Williamson as a two-year-oldCredit: Edward Whitaker

Champion jockey Oisin Murphy is not content with merely riding big-race winners, with his ability to identify future talent at the embryonic stage showcased in a big way by rising star sprinter Dragon Symbol.

The rapidly progressive three-year-old is trained by Archie Watson after Murphy purchased the horse privately for an undisclosed sum – although the rider confirms he "wasn't cheap" – from breeze-up maestro and former leading National Hunt jockey Norman Williamson.

The colt was initially pinhooked by Margaret O'Toole and Williamson's Oak Tree Farm at 67,000gns when offered by his breeder, Whitsbury Manor Stud, at Book 3 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale in 2019.

Read the full story

Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.

Subscribe to unlock

Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data

Already a subscriber?Log in

James ThomasSales correspondent

Published on 3 July 2021inNews

Last updated 18:13, 3 July 2021

Copy