How are jockeys maintaining their fitness during lockdown?

Champion jockey Oisin Murphy and Oisin Orr are among hundreds of riders in Britain and Ireland facing an uphill battle to maintain their fitness in lockdown amid the global coronavirus pandemic.

Racing was suspended in Britain from March 18 and, after a brief spell staging action behind closed doors, the sport was similarly cancelled in Ireland. A date for its return remains uncertain.

As well as riding out for trainers where possible, jockeys have had to get creative to maintain their fitness with many putting in the miles to ensure they are ready for the resumption of racing.

Murphy, who rode 220 winners from 1,106 rides in 2019, is accustomed to being busy and has been taking daily walks in the Lambourn countryside, as well as occasionally riding out for Ralph Beckett.

"I tend to go walking everyday over varying distances because I'm not under a strict regime. I like to discover new places and am very lucky to be living in the wide-open countryside," said Murphy.

"I also use a personal training app every day. They recommend you have a rest day but I'm not doing enough to warrant one as my life has gone from 100 miles an hour to zero. It's 30 minutes at a time and I have an instructor to keep me motivated."

Asked for his advice for others locked down at home, Murphy said: "The most important thing is to get into a routine of doing some exercise and to try and make it as enjoyable as possible."

Five kilometre charity challenges are populating social media feeds across the globe and two-time Irish champion apprentice Oisin Orr is certainly equipped to stay that trip, and much further.

Orr, who won the final race of the 2019 Irish Flat season to share the title with Andrew Slattery last November, is a keen runner and is attempting to stay ahead of the scales during lockdown.

Oisin Orr (left): won the final race of the 2019 Irish Flat season to share the apprentice title with Andrew SlatteryCredit: Patrick McCann

The 22-year-old, who kept active riding in Australia over the winter, said: "Like everyone, I'm trying to keep away from the fridge at the moment and the only advice I could give is to stay clear of it!"

"Every day I run between five and ten kilometres. I wouldn't generally be one for lifting weights so I stick to running.

"I'm also riding out every day, mainly for Dermot Weld but also for Eddie Lynam once a week. It's a different feeling than usual for this time of year because nobody really knows when we're really going to be back, but hopefully it won't be too long until the time is right."

Read this next:

Where is racing still happening and when could countries start up again?

Learn from the champion or dine with Christopher Biggins – the choice is yours

What I am looking forward to after lockdown: seeing the exciting two-year-olds

Keep up to date on the must-have news, tips, photos and more by following the Racing Post across all social channels