AN OPPORTUNITY ARISES
An opportunity to pick up some pocket money on weekends was the first step in what has grown into a blossoming career for one of racing’s pioneer women.
Erin Murphy has been a bookmaker for all of her adult life and has worked for Woodcock Racing since 2013. But the planting of those roots was not by design.
“I got into bookmaking by chance,” Murphy said.
“My mum’s hairdresser set her up with a wonderful man named Barry Baker.
“It was right around spring carnival time. He offered me a job clerking on the Flemington front lawn. Eighteen-year-old me thought, ‘yes please, I’ll take the chance to earn some money.’”
Whilst the relationship between her mother and Baker didn’t last, Murphy’s journey was already underway.
“The relationship didn’t last, but I was able to work for Barry for a number of years and he’s become a close friend.
“I did Melton trots and a few other meetings and that was my introduction to the racing industry.
“After that, I worked with a number of bookmakers who all mentored me and gave me a solid grounding in the industry,” she added.
A BOOKMAKING PARTNERSHIP BEGINS
Another turning point came in 2013, when a phone call changed the trajectory of her career.
“In 2013 I got a call that an American, who was working in Sydney as a bookmaker, was coming down to Melbourne to set up — and that was Warren Woodcock.”
Woodcock has forged a successful partnership with Murphy over more than a decade, and he spoke about how she keeps him calm in high-stakes moments before a race.
“Her confidence. She’s incredibly confident at the races and it puts you at ease,” he said.
“When she says, ‘let’s go and lay the 4,’ she never gets flustered no matter how much we might take on it. That really helps us stay level.”
Murphy spoke glowingly of Woodcock as well, and the opportunities he has given her to grow.
“He’s family to me. He’s given me opportunities to spread my wings and develop my own skills.”
FEMALE ROLE MODELS AND INFLUENCING THE INDUSTRY
The success of women in racing has exploded throughout the 21st century, particularly in Australia. With the Melbourne Cup triumphs of Gai Waterhouse, Sheila Laxon and Michelle Payne, as well as Jamie Melham’s meteoric rise, Murphy has learnt plenty from one particular mentor.
“Having relationships with strong females like Gai Waterhouse — who’s an absolute powerhouse. Spending time with Gai has given me so many lessons. The way she carries herself with such grace… she shows you that anyone can dominate.”
Murphy will be heading to England for Royal Ascot alongside Team Waterhouse, and she spoke of how Australia is leading the way.
“It is very uncommon to see a female bookmaker in England; it’s a male-dominated industry. So we are certainly setting the trend.”
STATE OF THE ON COURSE GAME
With on-course wagering dropping off, Murphy explained how important it is to adapt.
“With on-course wagering dropping a bit, you’ve got to find ways to get money in your book. I do use Betfair quite a lot. A lot of my methodology involves looking at what’s going on in the market — what’s firming and drifting on the Betfair Exchange.”
On-track bookmaking has had its fair share of critics lining up to write its obituary, but Murphy is confident it still has a future.
“There’s a lot of negativity around the future of on-course bookmaking. People keep saying it’s dying out. I disagree with that — and Warren and I are proving it day in and day out.”
Murphy also reflected on the important role Betfair continues to play in her daily operations.
“Betfair is a vital part of the industry — both online and on course. I believe it is the most accurate market.
“It’s funny how much Betfair influences particularly the Melbourne market. Melbourne bookmakers tend to price the market based off Betfair.”
