Oisin Murphy misses Friday rides at Newmarket after failing breath test

Champion jockey Oisin Murphy has been stood down from all of his rides at Newmarket on Friday after failing a breath test for alcohol.

Murphy said on Twitter: "I was requested to take a breath test at Newmarket today. I blew under the drink drive limit but over the riding limit.

"I’m sorry to all the people I’ve let down today. I take full responsibility. I will be riding tomorrow."

Murphy, 26, who is on course to become champion jockey for the third successive season, was stood down by the racecourse medical officer before he was due to partner the George Boughey-trained Fiorina in the opening 7f maiden.

He missed his four remaining rides on the card, including the James Ferguson-trained Mise En Scene for his retained owners Qatar Racing in the Group 1 bet365 Fillies' Mile.

A statement from the BHA said: "An inquiry was held following a report from the Equine Welfare Integrity/Collection Officer that Oisin Murphy, who was declared to ride Fiorina, had failed a breathalyzer test prior to the race. 

"Murphy, the Equine Welfare Integrity/Collection Officer, and Raceday Assistant were interviewed. Having heard their evidence, the matter was referred to the BHA for further consideration, and Murphy was stood down for the remainder of the day."

Murphy was previously forced to miss his rides at Salisbury in June 2019 having failed a breath test for alcohol, with the alcohol limit for jockeys set at 17 micrograms per 100ml of breath, whereas the UK driving limit is 35 micrograms per 100ml.

He was also suspended for three months this year after a urine sample of his tested positive for metabolites of cocaine during a drugs test in France in July 2020.

Despite missing his rides on the Rowley Mile, Murphy remains 11 clear at the top of the Flat jockeys' championship standings from William Buick on 147 winners, with the title race set to culminate on Champions Day at Ascot next Saturday.

2.25 7 Banshee now ridden by Robert Havlin

4.40 11 Ocean Road now ridden by Cieren Fallon 14 Sweet Believer now ridden by Adam Farragher

Read more on Oisin Murphy:

Oisin Murphy receives three-month ban after French cocaine positive

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

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