Ciaran Murphy Charlestown Racing
About Us
It was clear from an early age that a career in horses would be Ciaran Murphy's calling.
Growing up near Mullingar, County Westmeath, Ciaran and twin brother Joseph were bitten by the bug while immersed in eventing, hunting and point-to-pointing throughout their early years. However, it was at Charlestown Stud with Dot Love where he got his opportunity to train.
Having initially considered pursuing a career in eventing, Ciaran immersed himself in Charlestown's racing and pre-training operations, progressing to become an integral part of the team as assistant trainer to successful trainer Dot Love. He rode as an amateur jockey for several years, recording 38 winners in point-to-points and six under rules, including Dot's first winner I'm On The Line at Kilbeggan in June 2001.
His brother Joseph has gone on to become one of Ireland's leading event riders and represented his country at the London 2012 Olympics.
In the years that followed, Ciaran assisted Dot in bringing increased success to Charlestown, culminating in a memorable Irish Grand National triumph in 2013 with Liberty Counsel. At the time this was the biggest-priced winner of the historic race at 50-1 and Dot was only the 2nd female trainer to win the Irish National.
That victory came a year on from the Dot's first Graded winner, Shadow Eile in the Grade 2 Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final at Fairyhouse.
Prior to Michael O'Leary's Gigginstown House Stud scaling back their racing interests in 2019, the leading ownership operation was a major supporter of Charlestown for many years in entrusting Dot and Ciaran with the breaking of their young stock.
Some of the brightest talents to pass through Dot Love's career at Charlestown include Cheltenham Gold Cup winners Don Cossack and War Of Attrition, and Grand National winners Tiger Roll and Rule The World.
Paul and Clare Rooney were also significant backers of the Charlestown team before the leading owners shifted their focus from National Hunt racing in 2020, with these experiences ensuring Ciaran and his team are well versed in what is required to develop top-quality horses
January 2021 was a major milestone at Charlestown as the decision was made for Ciaran to take over Dot's training licence. Dot had built up a top quality training facility and her legacy and ethos continue to thrive here today.
Poignantly, two of Dot's final three runners were winners, including Betty Zane, who was ridden by Ciaran's brother Aaron, a talented amateur rider in his own right and a vital member of the Charlestown team.
Ciaran hit the ground running and registered a winner with just his fourth runner when Enjoy D'allen scored at Fairyhouse on January 16, 2021. The pair returned to the same track a few months later to finish a creditable third in the Irish Grand National.
Ciaran's experience across a variety of equine disciplines, spending more than 25 years at Charlestown, has given him a broad perspective of how to get the most from his horses while having a clear understanding for their welfare.while having a clear understanding for their welfare. while having a clear understanding for their welfare. .
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