Oisin Murphy, the three-time champion Flat jockey, has blamed missing a British Horseracing Authority breath test on a bout of “haemorrhoids”.
The 28-year-old missed five rides at Kempton on Monday, with his absence due to feeling “unwell” according to the stewards’ report, for which he was interviewed.
Murphy was due to provide a breath sample but, because he was not present to do so, the matter was passed onto the BHA head office for further consideration. He did ride at Lingfield on Tuesday.
The three-time champion jockey must undergo regular testing as part of his return to racing after a 14-month ban and £30,000 fine in 2022 for twice being above the alcohol limit and also for breaching coronavirus rules. In 2022, Murphy revealed he was sober, had sought counselling and had attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
In 2020, Murphy was handed a three-month suspension after testing positive for cocaine during a drug test in France. The length of the ban was mitigated after he told a hearing that his positive result was caused by “environmental contamination” via kissing.
On Monday, the BHA report stated: “An enquiry was held to consider why Oisin Murphy, who was required to provide a breath sample, had failed to arrive.
“The sampling officer, the clerk of the scales and Murphy were interviewed, and the matter was forwarded to the head office of the British Horseracing Authority for further consideration.”
In response to online conjecture, on Monday evening Murphy clarified the circumstances on social media: “I’ve noticed blood in my breeches at the races recently and have needed to change numerous times.
“This morning I noticed more blood than I’d seen before. I’ve got haemorrhoids. I’m fine and I’ll be back riding tomorrow.”
Murphy did return to the saddle at Lingfield on Tuesday as he suggested, riding in four races and taking second place on board the well-fancied Wisper in a fillies’ handicap.
At Newmarket on Saturday, Murphy became the first rider to reach 100 winners this season, with the jockey now clear favourite for a fourth Flat jockeys’ championship, sitting 36 clear of his nearest rival, Rossa Ryan.
Murphy is bidding for a fourth title in six years following wins in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
