Oisin Murphy removed from Friday mounts after failing alcohol test

Jockey Oisin Murphy was taken off his mounts at Newmarket on Friday after failing a breath test for alcohol. It was the second time in his career that he had been taken down for alcohol, with the first coming in 2019 at Salisbury according to the Racing Post.

Murphy also served a suspension in 2020 after testing positive for metabolites of cocaine. That suspension was reduced after he successfully argued that the positive was due to environmental contamination caused by sexual contact with someone who had taken the drug.

“I blew under the drink drive limit but over the riding limit,” Murphy said in a Friday statement through his management company. “I’m sorry to all the people I’ve let down today. I take full responsibility.”

The British Horseracing Authority said in its Friday stewards report that the incident had been referred to its head office for further consideration. According to the Racing Post, Murphy could face up to a 21-month ban for a second alcohol offense in a 24-month period.

Murphy was back in action on Saturday. He is currently the leading jockey in the United Kingdom, attempting to win his third consecutive U.K. riding title.

Murphy has raced in three of the last four Breeders' Cups without a victory.