By Sean Moriarty

Champion jockey Oisin Murphy has relinquished his racing licence to focus on his “rehabilitation,”

The Killarney man, Britain’s top jockey for the last three years, has been having a difficult time off the track.
He and his team are to seek medical advice on his difficulties.
He has two cases regarding positive tests for alcohol returned from racecourses in 2021 – one in Chester in May and another in Newmarket in October.
He also, allegedly breached the British Horseracing Authority’s coronavirus protocols relating to travel in September 2020 and this was the subject of a BHA investigation earlier this month.
Prior to the hearing the BHA received submissions from Mr Murphy’s legal team regarding his welfare, which were supported by medical evidence, and stated that Mr Murphy had made a decision to relinquish his Flat Jockeys Licence whilst he engages fully with medical support.
“On returning from abroad last September in 2020 I failed to follow the Covid protocol set out by the BHA. In breaking these rules, and attempting to mislead the BHA, I’ve let my governing body down, along with trainers, owners, staff, sponsors and family for which I wish to apologise,” Murphy said in a statement.
“In addition to this there have been two racecourse incidents linked to alcohol during 2021. It became obvious to me and to everyone else that I needed to seek serious help. In recognition of this I have relinquished my licence and will now focus on my rehabilitation. I am grateful to the BHA for agreeing to postpone the disciplinary hearing until I have been able to take these steps.
“Whether I deserve it or not, many kind people have stood by me and I really appreciate their support . I’m deeply embarrassed and regret my actions.”
The BHA and Mr Murphy will not make any further comment on this matter, which remains an ongoing disciplinary process.