Oisin Murphy Failed Breath Test Unlikely To Scupper Championship Dream

Oisin Murphy failed a breath test before racing on Sunday at Salisbury and there was rumours it could scupper his chances of landing the jockeys championship but that does not seem to be the case.

The matter is likely to be fast-tracked to get it sorted quickly but because Murphy was within the BHA's Lower Level reading for the offence it looks like there will not be a disciplinary hearing for the jockey and he will suffer no further penalty.

The readings of the level that the rider was actually at when tested will not be revealed until the case is fully closed but it is understood that he was well below the drink driving limit which should see him fall in the parameters of the BHA's lower threshold.

The Irishman's failed alcohol test came at Salisbury on the Sunday where had five planned rides but was stood down for the day and it came just after he appeared on Racing TV where the young jockey was being highly praised by the Luck On Sunday panel for how he has started his season.

It is not exactly what the jockey needed in the lead up to Royal Ascot but Murphy will have to put that behind him as he has started this season in superb form and is set to have six rides on the first day of Royal Ascot where he certainly has some live chances.

Murphy even though it is unlikely a charge will be bought against him by the BHA, the stewards still had to send a report to the governing body and they will asses all the findings that took place on Sunday.

If what we think will happen and he will be brandished in the lower level limit from the breath test he will come out at the worst with a caution, as Murphy was already stood down for the day, no more further punishment will be taken in regards to riding in the future.

The damage for the rider, who is now seen in the racing world as one of the best riders in the world, will only be to his reputation.

A similar case that took place almost a year to the day was at Royal Ascot 2018 where Charles Bishop, who gained his first Group 1 win on board Accidental Agent in last seasons Queen Anne Stakes, failed a test at the back end of the festival and was stood down.

Murphy will be hoping that he can get back to business as usual and gain his first Group 1 winner of the season at Royal Ascot but even with fast-tracked cases they can take a few months to actually complete.