Oisin Murphy hands in licence to focus on rehabilitation after Covid breach

Champion jockey Oisin Murphy faces multiple disciplinary charges following a breach of Covid-19 travel protocols in 2020 and two failed breath tests over the course of the last eight months, and has surrendered his licence temporarily "while he engages fully with medical support".

In a statement released by the BHA jointly on behalf of the regulator and Murphy, it emerged that the rider had been summoned to appear before a hearing of the independent disciplinary panel last Friday (December 10) but his legal team successfully argued for the process to be delayed while he seeks help.

Three charges relating to the travel irregularity are that Murphy misled the BHA about his whereabouts between September 9 and 12, 2020, that he accessed a racecourse in breach of Covid-19 protocols and that in doing so he "acted in a manner prejudicial to the proper conduct and good reputation of horseracing".

In a blog post on his website dating from September 2020, Murphy said he was "in Italy for a few days to get away" during a suspension.

The hearing will also consider Murphy's failed breath test for alcohol at Newmarket on October 8 this year – the day after he was involved in an altercation in one of the town's pubs – as well as a hitherto unreported failed test at Chester on May 5.

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.

Oisin Murphy: was crowned champion jockey for the third time in OctoberCredit: Edward Whitaker

"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."

Murphy, 26, had been due to appear before an independent disciplinary panel on Friday, December 10 over the breach of Covid protocols in 2020, but that has been postponed after submissions from Murphy's legal team regarding his welfare and his decision to temporarily relinquish his licence.

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

"Whether I deserve it or not, many kind people have stood by me and I really appreciate their support. I'm deeply embarrassed and regret my actions."

The BHA will treat Murphy's offences seriously in its presentation of the case before the independent panel but head of integrity Tim Naylor said it felt compelled to show compassion when faced with Murphy's struggles.

Naylor said: "In regulating the sport we must always strike the balance between the importance of upholding the rules and being mindful of the wellbeing of those we regulate. The welfare of our participants is an absolute priority.

"Having received detailed submissions from his representatives, which were supported by medical evidence, and being aware of the decision made by Mr Murphy to relinquish his jockey's licence, we agreed that the proposed disciplinary hearing may be postponed for a short period of time.

"The charges will be considered in front of an independent disciplinary panel we anticipate in the early part of 2022. We will support his medical team in the meantime."

Murphy's principal employer, Qatar Racing, has stood by Murphy throughout a turbulent 18 months in his career and once again issued a supportive statement on Thursday evening.

The statement read: "Qatar Racing wholeheartedly supports Oisin's decision to temporarily relinquish his licence whilst he tackles his health issues. It is important that he is given the space and time to gain the required treatment and we look forward to seeing him back in the saddle."

In November 2020, Murphy received a reduced three-month ban 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.

Since returning to the saddle in March 2021, Murphy has had a rollercoaster year.

On the track he secured a third consecutive title on the final day of the campaign when getting the better of William Buick by just two wins after a titanic struggle, while he also secured a first Breeders' Cup winner aboard the Japanese-trained Marche Lorraine.

But on the morning of his Champions Day showdown with Buick, Murphy awoke to sensational headlines in two of Britain's leading tabloids surrounding a brawl in Newmarket.

Speaking to reporters after receiving his championship trophy later that day, he vowed to do better and said of the newspaper revelations: "My ambition is for when I open the papers in the morning for them to focus on the equine stars on show."

In an interview with the Racing Post later in October, Murphy committed himself to getting the help he needed and said he had not taken a drink since that night in Newmarket.

Read more on Oisin Murphy:

New champion Oisin Murphy defended by Sheikh Fahad over drunken altercation

Oisin Murphy: maybe I'll let Marquand and Buick have a go at next year's title

'I've let people down' – champion Murphy apologises after failed breath test

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