One of the leading flat jockey's in Britain last season Oisin Murphy has spoken to us exclusively about how he is keeping busy out of the country whilst this equine flu saga is on going.
The Irishman had a superb season last year racking up a record for himself in the amount of Group 1 contests he landed throughout the year whilst also taking Silvestre De Sousa right to the wire in the flat jockeys championship.
During the off season, whilst the jumps racing takes over Murphy has not really stopped popping up at different meetings around the globe and still riding winners consistently.
However, the 23 year old before going over to Asia to ride, did take a little time out of the sport to enjoy some family time and after the year he had, he definitely deserved it.
Murphy said: "I went back to Ireland and spent time with my family. Kerry beat Dublin in Gaelic Football, Ireland beat Scotland. It was an enjoyable weekend!"
The rider recently returned for a short stint in Britain picking up some wins on the all weather at various courses but has headed back abroad during this difficult time for racing to keep busy ahead of the British flat season.
The jockey added: "I’ll be at Meydan for each carnival meeting and I’m riding in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia this Friday. I’ll also have trips to Qatar and Bahrain coming up. I’ll be keeping as busy as I can."
Although dotting around the globe to ride as many winners as possible Murphy has obviously been keeping an eye out for what the current situation is in the sport.
"I don’t understand it fully. Obviously I’m aware it’s highly contagious and the industry as a whole is being negatively affected at the moment." The rider said
Murphy is looking forward to coming home and getting the British season up and running all being well and the safe and efficient working out of this Equine Influenza.
The youngster is hoping that it is all cleared up sooner rather than later and does spare a thought for his fellow jockeys back home who are stuck with no racing.
Murphy added: "Obviously this is a quiet time of year for British flat racing but I feel for the British jump jockeys and everywhere connected with their industry.
" I’d be very hopeful that it will be contained as quickly as possible and hopefully we as racing enthusiasts can move forward."