Oisin Murphy: Champion jockey will ‘fight to clear his name’ after failing drugs test

Champion Flat jockey Oisin Murphy says he will ‘fight to clear his name’ after testing positive for metabolites of cocaine.

A urine sample given by Murphy at French racecourse Chantilly on July 19 this year returned positive for the drug, leaving the 25-year-old facing a possible six-month ban from the sport.

Murphy insists he has never taken cocaine and has since undergone hair sampling tests with an independent laboratory in an attempt to prove his innocence, with those tests coming back negative.

However, he must now await the results of a B sample, currently being analysed by the French horseracing authority France Galop, to find out his fate.

In a statement, Murphy said: “I have never taken cocaine in my life and will fight to clear my name.

"I want to thank those who are supporting me and in the meantime I want to keep riding winners and focus on my career. I will have no further comment to make and wish to respect the processes of France Galop.”

A statement issued on his behalf by the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) said: "On July 19, 2020 Oisin Murphy was selected for urine testing at Chantilly racecourse. On August 19 he was informed by France Galop that his 'A' sample had returned positive for metabolites of cocaine.

"On the same day, Oisin organised for an independent laboratory to undertake hair sampling to prove his innocence. The hair sample was taken on August 22, with the collection process filmed by the laboratory for authenticity.

"The laboratory analysed multiple 0.3cm segments of Oisin's hair and on August 26 the results of the hair test returned completely negative for metabolites of cocaine, which was entirely expected as Oisin has never taken cocaine.

"These results have been shared with France Galop and he awaits the results of France Galop's analysis of his 'B' sample."

Were Murphy to be found guilty it would be a huge blow to the sport, with the Irishman having earned praise as one of a new generation of jockeys who are attracting a new audience to racing with their personality and use of social media.

Murphy became champion jockey for the first time last season and landed the biggest win of his career when riding Kameko to Classic success in this year’s 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket.

Additional reporting by PA.