Oisin Murphy could ride at Cheltenham as he begins comeback from 14-month ban

15 February 2023 , 21:40

744     0

Three-time champion Flat jockey Oisin Murphy has been licensed to ride on the Flat and jumps (Image: PA)

Oisin Murphy makes his comeback from a 14-month suspension at Chelmsford City tomorrow night – and the Cheltenham Festival could be next.

The Irishman’s punishment – handed down for misleading British Horseracing Authority officials over his holiday destination during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, plus failed breath tests at Salisbury and Newmarket – comes to an end when the 27-year-old partners Jupiter Express for Mick Appleby in the Winning Connections Networking Handicap.

The three-time champion jockey, who leaves Britain for Qatar after taking his first mount back, will take aim at the biggest prizes of the Flat-racing summer – but has also taken out a licence to ride over jumps.

And Murphy’s dual permit will put him high on the list of trainers seeking a jockey for the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at Cheltenham on March 15.

“Jamie Spencer won the bumper [on Pizarro in 2002] and Fran Berry won a Coral Cup [on Khayrawani in 1999],” said Jimmy Derham of Murphy’s agent, Neptune Sports Management.

Harry Cobden says winning Cheltenham ride on Il Ridoto did not deserve ban

“I’m not saying he’s going to go down that road, but watch this space.

“He’s done a lot of show jumping in between, which is his passion, so he’s kept his eye in with the horses and he’s very much looking forward to being back on a racecourse.”

Murphy, who has admitted alcohol dependency issues and was hit with a three-month ban for a positive cocaine test in November 2020, will be subject to regular BHA testing.

“Mentally, physically – everything – it’s all systems go and he’s in a brilliant place,” added Derham.

“He’s very excited to be back riding. It’s been a very long 14 months.”

David Yates