Murphy unable to ride after deadline for BHA-required course of testing passes

Oisin Murphy was unable to return to the saddle at Lingfield on Friday after missing the deadline to complete a course of testing allowing him to ride again.

The reigning two-time champion jockey had been due to take three rides at Lingfield on Friday and five at Chelmsford on Saturday following a three-month ban issued by France Galop for producing a positive urine test for metabolites of cocaine.

A BHA spokesperson said: "Prior to returning to riding from a suspension of this nature, jockeys may be required to complete a course of testing, alongside other requirements, in order for BHA's chief medical adviser to confirm their safe return to race-riding.

"On February 22, Mr Murphy contacted the BHA about his intended return to race-riding. The BHA liaised with him and the PJA from this point onwards, including in regards to his testing requirements.

"On March 2, Mr Murphy was reminded of the requirements and that it is his responsibility to complete the necessary tests before a return to riding.

"As of March 12 Mr Murphy is only part way through his reinstatement testing, and he is therefore unable to ride at this point. Upon completion of the necessary processes satisfactorily, Mr Murphy will be able to return to riding."

Murphy was required to complete one urine test a week for four weeks prior to his return. Three have been completed.

The jockey retweeted the BHA's statement this morning, and added: "Please note I can't arrange testing personally. Only the BHA have the ability to do so. I've been available and completed all the tests thus far."

Oisin Murphy: rider blamed an administrative error for his delayed returnCredit: Edward Whitaker

The jockey was set to ride Rain Gauge (1.30) in the mile novice, Sky Commander (2.05) in the 7f handicap, and He Can Dance (2.40) in another 7f handicap later on Friday.

Murphy had earlier revealed the news via Twitter, blaming an administrative error for his delayed return.

He said: "At 6.50 yesterday I was personally informed by the BHA that due to an administrative error I will not be able to partner my rides at Lingfield today and Chelmsford on Saturday.

"I'm currently looking into this situation with the BHA and I plan to be back on the racetrack as soon as I possibly can. I apologise profusely to all the owners, trainers and supporters who I'm having to let down at such late notice. It's 128 days since my last ride in the UK."

Murphy, who recently revealed he considered quitting the saddle after his failed drugs test, would ordinarily have been looking at a six-month suspension from France Galop.

However, the stewards were persuaded by a combination of evidence from a hair test and Murphy's testimony that he was contaminated after having sex with a person he later discovered to be a user.

Read more on this story . . .

Oisin Murphy reveals he considered quitting the saddle after failed drugs test

Showjumping, fitness and charity: how Oisin Murphy will fill his days during ban

Oisin Murphy: I made a massive error and need to put things right

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