Isaac Burns Murphy (1861–1896) was one of the most accomplished jockeys in American racing history. His skill and consistency set him apart during a period when horse racing was widely popular. While most of his professional achievements are well documented, not much is known of his life.
Murphy was born in 1861 in Kentucky, though sources differ on the precise location, with possibilities including Frankfort, Lexington, or nearby areas. Reliable documentation of Murphy’s childhood, his family circumstances, how, why, and when he entered horse racing, and his initial apprenticeship, is lacking.
