'He looks fit, light, hungry and very focused' - Oisin Murphy returns at Chelmsford

Qatar Racing have reaffirmed their support for Oisin Murphy with the three-time champion Flat jockey returning to the saddle at Chelmsford on Thursday evening following his 14-month ban for alcohol and Covid breaches.

Murphy, who has not ridden since November 2021, has a ten-year association with Qatar Racing and is a retained rider for Sheikh Fahad's outfit, who have supported the top jockey in his recovery from a ban that was confirmed in a BHA hearing last February.

He chose not to self-isolate as required by the BHA's Covid rules when riding after a trip to Mykonos in September 2020 and failed two tests for alcohol at Chester in May and Newmarket in October the following year.

Murphy partners the Mick Appleby-trained Jupiter Express (6.00) in the 6f handicap at the Essex track, before heading to Qatar for three rides at Doha in local Group races on Saturday, including Flaming Rib for Hugo Palmer in the Dukhan Sprint (11.05).

He is booked for rides back on the all-weather at Newcastle on Monday and Southwell on Tuesday, including mounts for Archie Watson, Michael Bell and Appleby.

David Redvers, racing manager for Qatar Racing, said: "We're thrilled to have Oisin back and he looks fit, light, hungry and very focused. I'm quite certain he's planning on coming back with a bang and reminding everyone he's the best rider on the planet.

"Sheikh Fahad and Oisin have a close friendship. Sheikh Fahad is definitely his boss but Oisin has been riding for us since he was 17, so they have a long association and hopefully we have some nice horses for him to enjoy success on.

"In the same way you would help a younger brother or a son, we have done everything we can to help Oisin along with the Balding team, particularly Anna Lisa, and his own team.

"He's been helping himself too, he's been keeping very busy and in other equine disciplines he's been reminding everyone how talented he is on a horse."

Mick Appleby: trainer of Murphy's return mount Jupiter ExpressCredit: Steve Davies

Murphy rode out for Andrew Balding on Wednesday and the trainer's wife Anna Lisa, who plays a key role in the Kingsclere operation, believes he is primed for a return to action.

Balding said: "It's lovely to have Oisin back. A year seemed like a long time last February but he's managed to keep himself very busy and very focused.

"He's looking very fit, light and incredibly enthusiastic. He has been a Kingsclere boy for a long while and he's a key part of the team.

"He's taken his year away very seriously and has taken some proper help. I think he's returning in very good shape."

Murphy will ride Nate The Great for Balding in the Red Sea Turf Handicap and Missed The Cut for George Boughey in the Neom Turf Cup on the Saudi Cup card on Saturday week.

The jockey was assessed by the BHA's chief medical adviser Dr Jerry Hill in relation to his fitness to ride and discussed matters relating to his rule breaches with the BHA's integrity team prior to being granted a licence in Britain.

He will be subject to an enhanced testing regime on course and at random times at the BHA's behest through providing hair samples, with the conditions of the licence to be reviewed after 12 months.

The Flat jockeys' championship begins on Guineas weekend on May 6 and Murphy will be hoping to compete with reigning champion William Buick, who was the runaway winner last year.

Buick heads the betting at 1-2 with Coral and Murphy, who won the title in 2019, 2020 and 2021, is priced at 15-8 second-favourite.

Coral’s David Stevens said: "Although winners at this stage of the year don't count towards the title, Oisin Murphy will be keen to get the ball rolling as quickly as possible following his suspension.

"The odds suggest he and reigning champion William Buick could serve up a thrilling championship race this season."

2023 Flat jockeys' championship

Coral: 1-2 William Buick, 15-8 Oisin Murphy, 16 Tom Marquand, Hollie Doyle, 25 David Probert, 33 James Doyle, 40 Paul Mulrennan

Read more . . .

Three-time champion jockey Oisin Murphy set for race-riding comeback on Thursday following ban 

Oisin Murphy 'a man on a mission' as he is cleared for return to riding next week 

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