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

The BHA has said it would "offer any support" to Oisin Murphy after the three-time champion jockey was banned from racing for 14 months on Tuesday.

An independent judicial panel ruled the three-time champion jockey would not be able to reapply for his riding licence for 14 months, backdated to December 8, with 11 months handed out for Covid breaches and conduct prejudicial to the sport's reputation plus a further 100 days for two positive alcohol tests.

Murphy was given three 11-month suspensions for the two Covid breaches and conduct prejudicial to the reputation of the sport, all to run concurrently, while he was given ten days for what amounted to a second alcohol positive for his test at Chester on May 5 2021 and a further 90 days for his third such positive recorded at Newmarket on October 8, totalling an additional 100 days.

Murphy, 26, can return to race-riding on February 16, 2023 and told the panel in High Holborn on Tuesday how the effect of the dual pressures of the jockeys' championship and the BHA's investigation into his breaking of Covid protocols led to his drinking spiralling "out of control”.

In a statement the BHA said: "Mr Murphy’s breaches of the rules were extremely serious, reckless and potentially incredibly damaging for the sport. They risked endangering his fellow jockeys and racing industry participants.

"The BHA is proud of the way the industry adapted to the challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and how racing was able to restart quickly and successfully behind closed doors. Mr Murphy’s actions put this at risk.

"They also occurred at a time when so many people were making great sacrifices to follow the rules and protocols set out by the British governments and the racing industry

"Mr Murphy also acted with premeditation to deceive the racing industry and public regarding his whereabouts, as well as BHA investigators.

"We would, however, also acknowledge that Mr Murphy later made full, public admissions regarding these offences, and did not seek to contest the rule breaches at today’s hearing. He also gave full and frank admissions regarding his personal battles.

"All of these matters were considered by the independent panel in their decisions regarding a penalty for Mr Murphy.

"While it is important that this penalty is served and Mr Murphy’s offences are seen to be acted upon, we would also call on everyone in the sport to respect the admissions that he has made about his physical and mental wellbeing and his need for rehabilitation. The BHA will offer any support that Mr Murphy requests in this ongoing process."

Read more on Oisin Murphy:

Oisin Murphy banned from riding for 14 months after Covid and alcohol breaches

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

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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