Jamada

Jamada is a strong, well-related gelding in training with Olly Murphy, who has already developed into a dual winner under Rules and now looks a progressive hurdler with more to come. Having built a solid foundation with several placed efforts, he got off the mark over hurdles in decisive fashion and appears firmly on an upward trajectory.

A winner of a National Hunt Flat Race, Jamada made a promising start over hurdles, finishing second on debut at Sedgefield before adding another runner-up effort at Lingfield. Those performances, combined with his fluent jumping, marked him out early on as a horse going the right way.

He was not seen to best effect at Ffos Las, where heavy ground and a steadily run race made it difficult for him to settle and use his natural strengths. However, he quickly put that behind him with a dominant display at Fakenham, relishing better ground to record his first hurdles victory. Settling much more effectively, he travelled smoothly, jumped accurately, and showed a sharp turn of foot to move into contention before asserting with authority to win with plenty in hand. See the video of his Fakenham victory here.

Olly has loved Jamada from the minute he saw him at the sales. He told us that “we loved the physical and really liked his performance as well… we thought he’s a horse that could hopefully win plenty of races in England” and that “he’s been very straightforward and summered really well”.

Hear what Olly had to say about Jamada when he caught up with Mick, below (watch the full video in the 'About the Trainer' section).

Mick was quick to respond when offered Jamada because he feels that “he’s a lovely type, with real potential… the kind of potential you dream about!“.

His sire, Affinisea, is one of the most in-demand National Hunt stallions, responsible for Graded performers such as Only By Night and Sixmilebridge. His dam, Sounds Of Thunder, was a five-time winner under Rules and has made an ideal start as a broodmare, with Jamada her first runner.

Jamada is a straightforward, athletic type whose jumping is already a major asset. With conditions to suit and further experience under his belt, he looks well placed to continue progressing in handicap company, and there is every indication that he can build on his recent success. In time, he has the size and scope to make an even better chaser, but for now he remains an exciting hurdler with plenty to look forward to.

Olly Murphy is the son of well-known bloodstock agent Aiden Murphy, and retired trainer Anabel Murphy. Having ridden as an amateur until 2014, Olly headed to Ireland to serve as Assistant Trainer to Gordon Elliot for four seasons, during which Don Cossack won the Gold Cup.

Olly then took out his own license and saddled his first runners in the 2017-18 season. Since then he has trained over 740 UK winners, including ten Graded race victories and a further four Listed successes. The team aims to continually improve the quality of the yard and have just enjoyed their best season to date with 141 winners.

Watch the fully Olly Murphy interview with Mick Fitzgerald, below!