The record of 628 wins in 1,412 career starts remains the defining statistical achievement for jockey Isaac Burns Murphy, establishing a winning percentage of 44 percent. Born into slavery in 1861, he rose to become one of the most prominent athletes in the United States, competing at the highest levels of Thoroughbred horse racing during the late nineteenth century.
Formative Years
Born on January 6, 1861, in Clark County, Kentucky, Murphy entered the world as enslaved property on the farm of David Tanner. His father, Jerry Burns, joined the Union Army in 1864 and perished from disease at Camp Nelson later that year. Following his father's death, Murphy and his mother, America, relocated to Lexington. In 1867, he came under the mentorship of Eli Jordan, a trainer associated with the Williams and Owings stables, who provided guidance on professional discipline and conduct.
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Murphy launched his racing career in 1875 while riding for the Williams and Owings outfit. Over the next two decades, he achieved significant success, participating in eleven Kentucky Derby races and securing three victories. His winning mounts included Buchanan in 1884, Riley in 1890, and Kingman in 1891. Notably, his 1884 season saw him become the only jockey to win the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Oaks, and the Clark Handicap within a single calendar year.
The 1890 Controversy
During the Monmouth Handicap on August 26, 1890, Murphy fell from the horse Firenzi. Preceded by heavy betting against his mount, the incident sparked allegations that he had been intoxicated. Murphy denied these claims, asserting he had been poisoned. Although he resumed riding after a period of suspension, the scandal persisted, and he remained steadfast in his defense against the charges of substance impairment for the duration of his career.
Legacy and Historical Recognition
Murphy passed away from heart failure in Lexington on February 16, 1896. His final burial occurred at the entrance to the Kentucky Horse Park, adjacent to the horse Man o' War. His historical status was solidified in 1955 as an inaugural inductee into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Since 1995, the National Turf Writers Association has annually presented the Isaac Murphy Award to the jockey with the highest yearly winning percentage.
Fast facts
- Born: January 6, 1861, Clark County, Kentucky
- Died: February 16, 1896, Lexington, Kentucky
- Career win percentage: 44 percent
- Kentucky Derby wins: 3
- Inducted into Hall of Fame: 1955
- Occupation: Jockey
- Citizenship: United States
Questions readers ask
What was the result of the 1890 match race against Edward Garrison?
Murphy rode the horse Salvator to a dead-heat finish against Edward Garrison’s horse, Tenny, in a race that featured the first instance of a photo finish.
Where is Isaac Burns Murphy buried?
After initially resting in an unmarked grave at African Cemetery No. 2, his remains were reinterred at the entrance to the Kentucky Horse Park next to Man o' War.
