The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced it will apply 'incredibly strict' conditions to champion jockey Oisin Murphy's riding licence following his conviction for drink-driving. Acting chief executive Brant Dunshea revealed the regulator is finalising the conditions, which will include enhanced alcohol testing both on and off the racecourse.
Murphy was fined £70,000, one of the highest penalties for drink-driving in the UK, and banned from driving for 20 months after crashing his car into a tree near his Berkshire home in April. He was nearly twice the legal alcohol limit when tested seven hours after the crash. The jockey, who returned from a 14-month ban in February 2023, has maintained a significant lead in the Flat jockeys' championship despite failing to ride a winner since his court appearance.
Dunshea said the conditions aim to protect the integrity of British racing and ensure Murphy receives appropriate support. Murphy has six rides scheduled on Friday, including Running Lion in the Group One Falmouth Stakes.
In other racing news, William Buick secured his 2,000th career victory in Britain aboard El Cordobes in the Group Two Princess of Wales's Stakes at Newmarket. The milestone came after favourite Ghostwriter was withdrawn due to a 'freak incident' in the pre-parade ring. Meanwhile, Eve Johnson Houghton's Zavateri won the Group Two July Stakes at 18-1, with the trainer suggesting the colt could stretch to a mile next season.
