Oisin Murphy, Britain's champion jockey, has been handed a three-month suspension after testing positive for cocaine following a ride in France in July. The ban, imposed by French racing authorities France Galop, is shorter than the six-month suspensions previously given to Frankie Dettori and Kieren Fallon for similar offences.
Murphy argued that the positive test resulted from 'environmental contamination' through sexual contact with a cocaine user. He provided hair sample results and expert testimony to support his claim. The disciplinary panel accepted that he had not intentionally taken the drug but still issued a suspension, which runs from 11 December to 11 March.
In a statement, Murphy expressed relief at being cleared of taking cocaine but acknowledged his mistake in putting himself in a situation that led to contamination. He apologised to owners, trainers, and supporters, and said he would use the three-month break to reflect and return more determined.
Separately, jockey Nathan Evans received a six-month ban after testing positive for a cocaine metabolite at York in August. His licence has been withdrawn until 26 February 2021.
Meanwhile, a fatal incident occurred at Dundalk on Friday evening when the horse Clonard Abbey fell during a race and brought down Capablanca. Both jockeys, Gavin Ryan and Alan Persse, escaped serious injury, but Clonard Abbey was fatally injured.
