Unbridled Passion

This statue honors Isaac Murphy, who won the Kentucky Derby three times riding Buchanan in 1884, Riley in 1890, and Kingman in 1891.

This is one of the 11 Gallopalooza statues sponsored by Louisville Tourism, commemorating African American horsemen’s key role in building the foundation of horse racing.

Artist Statement:

Isaac Burns Murphy (January 6, 1861 – February 16, 1896) was an American Hall of Fame jockey, considered one of the greatest riders in American Thoroughbred horse racing history. He won three running’s of the Kentucky Derby and was the first jockey to be inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame at its creation in 1955. He was born in Lexington, Kentucky.

Known as a finesse rider, Murphy rarely used the whip, had strong hands, and extraordinary instincts. Trainer Jack Joyner described Murphy as “the best judge of pace I ever saw.”

Murphy’s abilities earned him the best mounts of his era and he was extremely selective of the horses he rode, which aided his superb victory percentage. Murphy also did not approve of jockeys betting and never did so himself. He was confident, handsome, intelligent, physically talented, and the highest-paid athlete in the country. Although he was a superstar, Murphy remained humble and was a quiet soul.