OISIN Murphy faces a SIX month ban after failing a drugs test in a bombshell for racing.
The champion jockey tested positive for cocaine after undergoing screening at a race meeting in France.
Murphy, 25, provided the positive sample in July, which he alleges came from a night out.
He has been providing hair samples to the French authorities for the past month, which have come back negative, and he is waiting on the results of a ‘B’ sample.
If found guilty by France Galop he faces a huge suspension, but if he appeals the verdict will be delayed until after British Champions Day on October 17.
But British racing chiefs will be feeling uncomfortable at the thought of Murphy lifting the jockey’s trophy at Ascot under a cloud.
He is not the first high-profile jockey to face a drugs ban, with Kieren Fallon and Frankie Dettori testing positive for cocaine after tests in France.
Murphy has been one of racing’s leading stars for the past six years, being crowned champion apprentice in his first full season in 2014.
He is retained rider for the powerful Qatar Racing operation run by Sheikh Fahad al Thani and he was champion jockey with 168 winners in 2019.
He has ridden multiple Group 1 winners, including his first Classic on board Kameko in the 2000 Guineas earlier this season.
More to follow…
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/arc-de-triomphe-love-taken-out-of-the-arc-by-trainer-aidan-obrien-due-to-heavy-ground-at-longchamp
