Oisin Murphy holds off William Buick to become Champion Jockey for third successive year

Lambourn-based jockey Oisin Murphy has been crowned Champion Jockey for a third year running on Champions Day at Ascot.

The 26-year-old was unable to register a winner on the day, but ended the season two victories better off than his title rival.

Heading into the final day, Murphy held an advantage of three after a double at Haydock on Friday, but Buick closed the gap with victory on Creative Force in the Champions Sprint.

Buick was unable to add to his tally, resulting in Murphy being crowned champion and he is the first jockey to win three titles in a row since Richard Hughes did so in 2014.

Speaking to ITV Racing after the confirmation, he said: “I am over the moon and thrilled to get across the line.

“Thank-you to my family and everyone, I have a massive support group and in the last week I have had a lot of people on my side.

“Frankie [Dettori] has been there everyday, making sure my spirits were up and I was riding, you know, off instinct and normal which was key.

In regards to the final week of the title race, where Buick picked up some valuable winners to significantly close the gap, Murphy explained how it was a tough battle.

“You need to make every ride count and I was running out of opportunities,” admitted Murphy. “I held it together in the end.”