Oisin Murphy is set to return to partner Missed The Cut in the €1.4million Neom Turf Cup in Saudi Arabia after his return to action later this month.
The jockey is approaching the end of a 14-month suspension imposed by the British Horseracing Authority after he admitted to breaking Covid rules, misleading the regulator and prejudicial conduct, plus two alcohol breaches.
Murphy’s ban expires on February 16 and he has been forging a new connection with Newmarket trainer George Boughey, whose colt Missed The Cut holds an entry for the Group Three Neom Turf Cup at Riyadh on February 25.
The race is part of the hugely valuable Saudi Cup meeting and it is Murphy who will take the ride as Boughey seeks a regular jockey for the horse throughout the upcoming season.
“Oisin Murphy currently will ride him. It’s taken quite a lot of brainpower throughout his career so far, he’s had a number of jockeys and I think a horse like him probably deserves to have a jockey that’s going to try and ride him wherever possible,” he said.
“I had a long chat to Oisin at the back end of last year when we were trying to make a plan for him. William Buick and Ryan Moore traditionally ride mine whenever they can but I think, at their own admission, they won’t be able to ride him come the summer.
“They both were available to ride him in Saudi but we’re just prolonging the inevitable and I want someone who is going to be able to create a bond with the horse.”
Murphy has ridden the Missed The Cut both at home and in a racecourse gallop at Chelmsford in a newly-established alliance between trainer and jockey.
“He’s done plenty of work, he’s been to Chelmsford to ride him the other morning and he’s delighted with him,” said Boughey.
“It’s a bit of a new thing, Oisin has only ridden one winner for me so it’s not really a relationship that’s had much to go at so far.
“He’s obviously a fantastic rider and I’m delighted to have him on board. He’s ridden at Newmarket and he went to Chelmsford the other morning, his work has been pretty good and there are few better men to know what a top class horse looks like than Oisin.”
Meanwhile, the BHA have confirmed that Murphy will be able to return to race riding from February 16.
They said in a statement on Tuesday: "When assessing any application for a licence, the BHA must be satisfied that in approving the application the reputation of, and public confidence in, the sport in this country is not jeopardised. It is therefore incumbent upon any applicant to demonstrate why they consider themselves to be a suitable individual and that they have the moral integrity, honesty and good character to uphold the sport’s values.
"In preparation for a return to race riding Mr Murphy has spent a number of months engaging with the BHA. We are grateful for Mr Murphy’s timely and courteous approach to the relicensing process.
"As part of Mr Murphy’s application, BHA’s Chief Medical Advisor Dr Jerry Hill has made an assessment in relation to the Medical Standards for Fitness to Ride. 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 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.
"Mr Murphy must also engage in regular contact, through his own medical professionals, with Dr Jerry Hill to ensure his ongoing fitness to ride. These conditions will be reviewed after 12 months, as well as being subject to alteration or amendment should the BHA consider this necessary during the course of his licence.
"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 BHA is grateful for Mr Murphy’s professional approach during what has been an extensive process and wishes him well both on his return to racing and with regards to his personal wellbeing."
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