Licensing conditions for Oisin Murphy to include enhanced testing on and off the racecourse

Oisin Murphy will be subject to enhanced testing both on and off the racecourse as part of “stringent” conditions placed on his licence by the British Horseracing Authority following his drink-driving conviction.

The four-times champion jockey was fined £70,000 and banned from driving for 20 months having pleaded guilty to one count of driving a motor vehicle while over the prescribed limit of alcohol at Reading Magistrates’ Court last week.

Following the conclusion of those court proceedings, the BHA says it has been “liaising extensively with Mr Murphy and his team” which has resulted in the immediate imposition of “an extremely strict set of conditions and monitoring requirements” on his riding licence which “must be adhered to at all times”.

A BHA statement said: “The revised conditions have been designed to balance the need to maintain the safety, integrity and good reputation of British racing, with ensuring that Mr Murphy has access to the appropriate support and advice so that he meets the sport’s expectations.

“BHA licensing matters and the precise details of any conditions that may be placed on an individual’s licence are a private and confidential matter between that person and the regulator.

“However, we can confirm that Mr Murphy will be subject to stringent conditions, including detailed and strict procedures relating to further enhanced testing, both on and off the racecourse.

“Mr Murphy must also engage regularly and proactively with the BHA. In addition he must alert us, within a clearly stipulated timeframe, to any change in his personal circumstances that could reasonably be said to be relevant to his position as a licensed jockey.”

The BHA added both the conditions and Murphy’s compliance will be subject to “careful monitoring and regular review”, also warning it reserves “the right to seek the immediate suspension or withdrawal of Mr Murphy’s licence” if those conditions are not met.

The statement added: “As emphasised in our statement of last week, Mr Murphy’s conduct has fallen well below the standards expected of licensed individuals. His actions – for which he has since apologised – jeopardised not only his safety, but that of his passenger and other members of the public.

“Mr Murphy, like all licensed personnel, is expected to uphold the good reputation of our sport on and off the racecourse. He has been reminded of his responsibility. The conditions now in place are designed to help ensure that he meets the high standards that British racing demands.”