Biography
The experienced Irish rider Joseph Murphy has completed Badminton 10 times, his best result being 11th place in 2017 on Sportsfield Othello. Last year he completed with two horses, Calmaro (33rd) and the Dutch-bred Belline Fighting Spirit (49th), his ride this year.
Belline Fighting Spirit was sourced as a three-year-old from the Netherlands by Richard Ames, a joint owner, and was previously ridden by Daniel Alderson and Laura Birley. Joseph took on the ride in 2022 and brought the horse up through the grades to five-star level, finishing 26th at Pau in 2024.
Joseph began riding as a teenager, hunting with the West Meath and point-to-pointing – he remains interested in country sports. He also played Gaelic football and studied surveying at Limerick University.
He first represented Ireland in eventing in 2011 and has ridden at five European Championships, plus the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Haras du Pin. In 2012, he finished 14th on Electric Cruise at the London Olympic Games as a member of the fifth-placed Irish team.
He is married to Jill and has a daughter, Daisy. They are based in Toye, near Killyleagh, Co Down, Northern Ireland, where he runs a competition and training yard.
Entries
Sportsfield Othello
ISH,
Ireland,
2011
15.3hh , bay , gelding
Sire Ricardo z
Dam Moyview lady (Ring of Forde)
Breeder John Kenny
Owned
Andrew Tinkler, Co. Down, N. Ireland
Alison Schmutz, Carlisle, Cumbria
Jill Murphy, Co. Down, N. Ireland


