Qatar Racing statement points to Oisin Murphy not appealing against riding ban

Oisin Murphy is not expected to appeal against his 14-month ban after his main employers Qatar Racing said they "respect the findings" of the BHA independent disciplinary panel in a statement on their website.

Murphy was on Tuesday found guilty on five charges brought by the BHA, including two related to his trip to Mykonos and failure to self-isolate, conduct prejudicial to the sport's reputation, plus a further 100 days for two positive alcohol tests at Chester and Newmarket.

The jockey, who accepted all the charges and will not be able to ride until February 2023, will remain part of Qatar Racing but will be temporarily replaced as first jockey by Cieren Fallon, the two-time champion apprentice who was appointed as second jockey in August 2020.

Qatar Racing said: "We respect the findings of the BHA independent judicial panel. This period will provide Oisin with further time to continue his rehabilitation, which we fully support. We, and the whole sport, look forward to him returning to the racecourse.

"In the meantime, Oisin will remain on the Qatar Racing team and Cieren Fallon will take over and ride as first jockey until Oisin returns."

Cieren Fallon: named interim first jockey by Qatar RacingCredit: Edward Whitaker

Fallon made a quick start to his new role with victory aboard the Qatar Racing-owned Criollo at Southwell on Thursday and described it as a "big opportunity".

"It does come with a bit of pressure, but I've ridden for them for a number of years and I've got to take it with both hands," Fallon told Sky Sports Racing. "I know how the system works and Sheikh Fahad and Dave Redvers have belief in me, which is a feather in my cap.

"Oisin will be there supporting me and is only a phone call away. He's still a big player and part of the team. It's an opportunity to prove myself. It's a big step for my career but hopefully it can be onwards and upwards from here."

Murphy finished eight winners clear of William Buick when winning the jockeys' title in 2020, but 11 of his winners came during the period when he should have been self-isolating after visiting Greece.

The disqualification of his winners during that time was considered by the BHA before the charges were brought and the possibility of appeals from the connections of the beaten horses in those 11 races remains.

Read more on this subject:

BHA rules that Oisin Murphy's 'self-isolating' 2020 winners will stand - for now (Members' Club)

Oisin Murphy's rise and fall: from boy wonder to Classic winner to being 'out of control'

BHA pledges to support Oisin Murphy in jockey's bid for rehabilitation

William Buick odds-on to land his first Flat jockeys' crown after Murphy ban

Lee Mottershead: Murphy has been honest with himself - but his past lies merited a hefty penalty (Members' Club)

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