Oisin Murphy made a triumphant return to racing on Thursday, winning on his first ride back after a 14-month ban for alcohol and Covid breaches. The three-time champion jockey rode Jupiter Express to victory in the 6f Winning Connections Network Handicap at Chelmsford.
The 27-year-old described the win as “a relatively easy job” after steering the 15-8 favourite trained by Mick Appleby to the line. It was his first race since November 2021, following a suspension imposed in February 2022 for misleading the British Horseracing Authority.
Murphy had been found guilty of breaking Covid rules by lying about his whereabouts in 2020 and failing two alcohol breath tests in 2021. He said his behaviour was “very silly” and that he had time to reflect and return with a different mindset.
During his absence, Murphy kept fit through show jumping and attended major racing events like Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood. He also remained involved with the Andrew Balding stable, which he credited as a major motivation for his comeback.
Jupiter Express was his only ride on the card, as he is due to travel to Qatar to ride at Doha this weekend. Murphy expressed his joy at being back, saying, “It’s fantastic to be back… It’s been a long time but it’s brilliant to be back on the racecourse and to ride a winner as well will help.”
