Oisin Murphy has been cleared to return to race riding from a 14-month ban by the BHA but will have to undergo regular testing to ensure he remains sober and avoids drugs in order to continue to hold a licence.
The three-time champion Flat jockey has been told he will be granted a licence from next Thursday, February 16, when his suspension expires but it will be issued with conditions attached.
Murphy was banned for misleading the BHA when he broke Covid rules in 2020 and failing two alcohol breath tests in 2021.
Ahead of his return he has been booked to ride Royal Ascot winner Missed The Cut in the £1.25 million Neom Turf Cup in Saudi Arabia later this month.
As a result the BHA has set out details of the licensing process which is in place to ensure every applicant is a suitable individual with “the moral integrity, honesty and good character to uphold the sport’s values”.
Murphy has openly discussed his battle with alcoholism, which he said had spiralled out of control at the time of the offences.
According to the BHA, he has engaged with the regulator over a number of months and his fitness to ride has been assessed by Chief Medical Advisor Dr Jerry Hill.
“Mr Murphy provided samples for testing and also met at length with the BHA’s Integrity Team to discuss matters arising from his Rule breaches and his return to race riding,” the BHA said in a statement.
“The application has been reviewed carefully and the BHA has determined that Mr Murphy is a suitable individual to hold a licence, with relevant conditions attached. The licence will be granted from Thursday 16 February 2023.
‘While the full conditions will not be made public, they include the need for Mr Murphy to remain sober and avoid the use of any illicit substances or social drugs.
“To monitor this, Mr Murphy will be subject to an enhanced testing regime both on the racecourse, and through the providing of hair samples for analysis at random times of the BHA’s choosing.”
The jockey will also be expected to keep regular contact with Hill with the conditions reviewed after 12 months.
“If any of the conditions are not met, the BHA reserves the right to seek suspension of the withdrawal of Mr Murphy’s licence as applicable,” the statement added.
