Posted: 14th September 2016 | Back to news feed
A former Hartpury student has become the youngest racehorse trainer in the country.
Amy Murphy, 24, who will work out of Hamilton Stables having now set up on her own, grew up surrounded by racehorses at her father’s stud. She was bitten by the racing bug at 16 whilst she was studying at Hartpury and immediately knew it was what she wanted to focus her career on.
Despite her young age, Murphy already has a wealth of experience working with some of the industry’s top names, including with Nicky Henderson during her time at the college. She also had spells working with Tom Dascombe – who has two Royal Ascot winners – and leading trainer Luca Cumani before taking up residence at Hamilton Stables.
Just as human athletes would have coaches making sure they are ready for their competitions, Murphy is responsible as a racehorse trainer for making sure the horses are fit and healthy when they are due to race.
“There is a huge amount of behind the scenes work involved in my job,” said Amy. “I have to plan all of the horses individual training programmes around their races to make sure they are in peak fitness to perform to their best on race day.
“That includes their feeding regimes, exercise plans and selecting the right race for the horse. I oversee the physio, vet and farrier as well as watching the horses on the gallops in training to see which horses are performing well or may need their work regime changing.”
Amy completed the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horse Management at Hartpury, gaining a triple distinction - the highest grades possible. From Hartpury, she went straight into racing, building a wealth of experience on top of her qualification.
“Hartpury was a fantastic grounding for my career,” she added. “I learned about all aspects of horse management, as well as horse health and anatomy, which now helps me evaluate any injuries my horses may pick up and the best way deal with them.
“After leaving Hartpury, I worked as an assistant trainer for just over five years, first to Tom Dascombe and latterly for Luca Cumani. I also had a winter spell working in Australia for champion trainer Gai Waterhouse.
“I have now decided the time is right to take the plunge and set up training for myself here in Newmarket. I'm very excited for the future, I have some fantastic horses to train in my first season.”
To find out more visit www.amymurphyracing.com
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