By Sean Moriarty

Killarney star jockey Oisin Murphy will return to the saddle this evening (Thursday) for the first time since serving a 14-month ban for COVID-19 protocol and alcohol breeches.

The three-time champion jockey was banned after he was found to have broken COVID-19 protocols in September 2020, and he also failed alcohol tests in May and October of 2021.

He will return to action later today where he will ride the Mick Appleby-trained Jupiter Express in the 6pm race at Chelmsford.

The British Horse Racing Authority (BHA), which sanctioned the return of Murphy’s licence, said Murphy would be “subject to an enhanced testing regime” as part of his relicensing process.

“We are grateful for Mr Murphy’s timely and courteous approach to the relicensing process,” said a BHA statement.

“While the full conditions will not be made public, they include the need for Mr Murphy to remain sober and avoid the use of any illicit substances or social drugs. To monitor this, Mr Murphy will be subject to an enhanced testing regime both on the racecourse, and through the providing of hair samples for analysis at random times of the BHA’s choosing.”