Oisin Murphy faces charges over Covid breach and failed breath tests next week

Oisin Murphy, Britain's champion Flat jockey for the last three years who in December temporarily surrendered his riding licence in light of disciplinary charges relating to a Covid-19 breach and two failed breath tests, will face a hearing into his actions on Tuesday.

Murphy, one of the weighing room's brightest talents and biggest names, was summoned to appear before a hearing of an independent disciplinary panel in December, but his legal representatives were successful in delaying that process while the 26-year-old received "medical support".

The BHA on Wednesday revealed the hearing would take place next week and the panel will consider whether the Classic-winning rider, last in action at Kempton on November 12, breached rules by attempting to mislead the regulator regarding the destination of his travel to circumvent Covid-19 restrictions in 2020 and if he failed to comply with the ruling body's coronavirus restrictions.

Whether Murphy entered racecourses by providing incorrect information and failed to comply with the government and the sport's requirements will also be examined, as will a possible breach of the rule relating to "acting in a manner which is prejudicial to the proper integrity, conduct and good reputation" of racing.

Oisin Murphy: the panel will consider two failed breath tests supplied by him last seasonCredit: Edward Whitaker

The panel, comprising James O'Mahony, Rachel Spearing and Anthony Connell, who will be at the BHA's London office for the hearing, which will take place in person, will also consider two failed breath tests supplied by Murphy at Chester and Newmarket in May and October of 2021.

In a statement in December, Murphy said: "On returning from abroad last September in 2020 I failed to follow the Covid protocol set out by the BHA. In breaking these rules, and attempting to mislead the BHA, I've let my governing body down, along with trainers, owners, staff, sponsors and family for which I wish to apologise.

"In addition to this there have been two racecourse incidents linked to alcohol during 2021. It became obvious to me and to everyone else that I needed to seek serious help. In recognition of this I have relinquished my licence and will now focus on my rehabilitation.

"I am grateful to the BHA for agreeing to postpone the disciplinary hearing until I have been able to take these steps."

Oisin Murphy: 'It scared me and I haven't had a drink since. I've stopped' (Members' Club)

The higher end of punishments for some of those offences is a three- year suspension and Murphy received a reduced three-month ban in November 2020 for a positive cocaine test after France's racing authorities accepted an explanation of contamination through sexual contact with a partner who used the drug.

On his return to the track, the rider enjoyed a brace of Group 1s for his mentor Andrew Balding on Alcohol Free, while he also secured a first Breeders' Cup winner aboard the Japanese-trained Marche Lorraine.

Number one jockey to the high-profile Qatar Racing outfit, Murphy was also involved in an epic title battle with an inspired William Buick, from which he emerged on top, but he made tabloid headlines in the autumn for his role in an altercation in Newmarket the night before his failed breath test at the town's track.

His employer in December "wholeheartedly" supported his decision to withdraw from the saddle and in a Racing Post interview in OctoberMurphy committed himself to getting the help he needed and said he had not had a drink since that night in Newmarket.

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The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a four-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday