Murphy’s Gift (KY)

As One acquired its newest member of the stable in April when it bought Hip No. 130 at the OBS April Two Year in Training Sale, a two-year-old bay filly by the stallion (father) Street Sense out of the broodmare (mother) Cali Thirty Seven. The father was the 2007 Kentucky Derby winner and the mother is a stakes winner herself with a promising future as a broodmare, including two other offspring currently racing. Our new filly comes from the same family as McKinzie, winner of multiple Grade I stakes races and second in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at 4.

Murphy’s Gift is a young horse still growing and developing into her body. Given her physical development and pedigree, trainer Brendan Walsh and the As One team are being patient and letting her develop as part of her long term plan. She began her racing career in September 2023 with a solid first effort at Churchill Downs.

The filly’s name, chosen by the As One partners, is a nod to Isaac Murphy, a black jockey from the late 1800s who once dominated the sport. Enshrined in the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame, Murphy was a three time Kentucky Derby winner and believed by many to be one of the greatest jockeys to ever ride. As One hopes that Murphy’s Gift can bring more attention to Isaac Murphy and make sure the history of African American jockeys continues to be told more and more.

Last Race

Following up on her September 30 debut at Churchill Downs, Murphy’s Gift made her second start in a 1 1/16 mile race on the dirt against a field of strong two-year-olds on November 11, 2023.

Murphy’s Gift showed progress in her second race under the ride of leading jockey Tyler Gaffalione. Quick out of the gate, Murphy’s Gift stalked the leader down the backstretch and settled in nicely. Coming around the turn into the stretch, she pulled alongside the leader and was neck and neck at the top of the stretch. She battled on as others came from the back of the pack and tired just a bit at the end to finish sixth. Murphy gave the As One partners a thrill as she vied for the lead at the top of the stretch. As noted in the official chart, she “pressed two wide, bid in the three path entering the lane, and dueled through the upper stretch.”
 
 

 

Next Race

Overall, trainer Brendan Walsh and the As One team were pleased with Murphy’s Gift’s continued progress. The second start was another step forward and should help build a strong foundation for the future. Following her November 11 effort, Murphy has been given a little time off to rest and recover from her initial campaign. She has spent some time at the farm where she could both rest and continue to grow. She has now moved to Florida where she will soon start her training for her 2024 campaign as a three year old.