Three-time champion jockey Oisin Murphy ‘under observation in hospital’ after failing to arrive at Kempton

THREE-TIME champion jockey Oisin Murphy is ‘under observation in hospital’ – after he failed to show at Kempton when due to give a breath sample.

Sun Racing’s Matt Chapman confirmed on At The Races that the Flat jockey is OK and in the care of doctors.

Oisin Murphy is ‘under observation’ in hospital after feeling ‘unwell’ and failing to show up at Kempton when due to provide a breath sampleGetty

But the ‘unwell’ 28-year-old Irishman had a situation with his health that ‘left him concerned’ and went to get it checked out.

Murphy is required to undergo regular testing as part of the conditions of his return to the sport following his 14-month ban and £30,000 fine in 2022.

The jockey was given a huge suspension after having twice been above the alcohol limit and for breaching coronavirus rules.

Sun Racing columnist Andrew Balding told Chapman there’s ‘every chance’ Murphy will be back in the saddle tomorrow.

Murphy is currently booked for four rides at Lingfield.

A BHA stewards’ report said prior to racing at Kempton today: “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.”

Murphy is currently miles ahead in the jockey standings and looks in pole position to land a fourth crown.

The 2019, 2020 and 2021 champ is on 101 wins for the season at the time of writing – an incredible 36 ahead of second-placed Rossa Ryan.

He enjoyed a brilliant Glorious Goodwood earlier this month where four wins – and seven runner-up finishes – saw him take top jockey honours.

Murphy said afterwards: “I was fortunate Ryan had to go to the US!

“He rode four winners in three days and it took me five days to ride four.

“The seconds are very painful and most of them were for Andrew Balding, so thank you to him and his team, and apologies for not winning on more of them.”

Chapman said: “Oisin Murphy missed his rides today and one or two tweets have tried to create massive drama but there really isn’t any drama.

“Oisin’s just under a little bit of observation – I’m not going to say what for, it’s up to Oisin to say what for – but basically he had a situation where he was concerned about something and went to get it checked out.

“I’ve spoken to Andrew Balding and Andrew thinks there’s every chance Oisin will be riding tomorrow.

“If he isn’t riding tomorrow I can tell you right now Oisin, whatever state you’re in, you will be riding in the Racing League on Thursday night!

“So nothing too serious with Oisin Murphy at all, according to Andrew Balding, who’s his boss effectively.”

Ryan deputised for Murphy on Richard Hughes’ Likely Perspective and steered the 7-2 fav to victory in a fillies’ maiden.

While Kevin Stott stood in for Murphy on the winning ride on Balding’s Alacrity in the closing fillies’ handicap.

Murphy was kicked off rides at Newmarket in 2021 after failing a breathalyser test.

He said he took ‘full responsibility’ for the findings, which showed he was under the drink-drive limit but over the drink-ride limit.

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