Former champion jockey Oisin Murphy, who was banned for 14 months by the British Horseracing Authority for COVID and alcohol-related breaches, made a successful return to the saddle on Thursday, Feb. 16.
Murphy piloted the Mick Appleby-trained Jupiter Express to victory in a six-furlong handicap at Chelmsford Racecourse, reports Racing Post.
Murphy's first big-race rides since his suspension are expected to come on the Saudi Cup card: he has been named to ride Royal Ascot winner Missed The Cut in the Neom Turf Cup.
At the end of 2021, following a season that saw him crowned champion jockey for a third straight year, Murphy relinquished his license voluntarily in order to focus on his rehabilitation. He was sentenced to a 14-month ban after a BHA disciplinary hearing on Feb. 22, 2022. During his ban, Murphy was open about his struggles with alcoholism and often served as a racing analyst on live broadcasts during major race meets.
“Realistically it was very silly and I made many, many errors that I wish I hadn't done. I was given a period time to think about that and come back with a different mindset, hopefully over the next year and the following years I can prove the person I'd like to be.”
The British Horseracing Authority released Tuesday a set of conditions to which Murphy will be subject in order to retain his license.
“While the full conditions will not be made public, they include the need for Mr. Murphy to remain sober and avoid the use of any illicit substances or social drugs,” the BHA statement explains. “To monitor this, Mr. Murphy will be subject to an enhanced testing regime both on the racecourse, and through the providing of hair samples for analysis at random times of the BHA's choosing.
“Mr. Murphy must also engage in regular contact, through his own medical professionals, with (BHA's Chief Medical Advisor) Dr. Jerry Hill to ensure his ongoing fitness to ride. These conditions will be reviewed after 12 months, as well as being subject to alteration or amendment should the BHA consider this necessary during the course of his license.
“The BHA is grateful for Mr. Murphy's professional approach during what has been an extensive process and wishes him well both on his return to racing and with regards to his personal wellbeing.”
The BHA retains the right to suspend Murphy's license if any of the conditions are not met.
Read more at Racing Post.
The post Former Champion Oisin Murphy Back In Winner’s Circle After 14-Month Ban: ‘Hopefully…I Can Prove The Person I’d Like To Be’ appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
