Matt Chapman: Why I believe Oisin Murphy was harshly treated & what needs to change in racing

IMMEDIATE steps have to be taken to tighten the timescale of testing procedures.

Champion jockey Oisin Murphy appeared at High Holborn on Tuesday to face two charges.

The first was in relation to breaking Covid protocols in September 2020.

The second was for two failed tests for alcohol in May and October of 2021 — as well as one overarching charge of “acting in a manner prejudicial to the proper integrity, conduct and good reputation of the sport”.

Those dishing out the penalties decided he would not be able to ride again until February next year.

The independent judicial panel ruled he could not reapply for his riding licence for 14 months, backdated to December 8, with 11 months handed out for Covid breaches and conduct prejudicial to the sport’s reputation plus 100 days for two positive alcohol tests.

I like Murphy. He’s a good person. He’s a nice person. And he’s great for the sport.

He’s also got awesome talent.

I also know he’s had addiction issues. People with addiction issues are often not bad.

The addiction warps their personality and smudges what is right and wrong.

I believe Murphy’s ban is harsh. And that’s not forgiving anything he has done.

LET’S BE FORGIVING, HE NEEDS HELP

Anyone who has had a child will know most nurseries teach kids that as human beings we can make good and bad choices. Murphy made many bad choices.

But the addiction side of things makes me more forgiving than the judicial panel.

Murphy needs help. And once he has it, and once he — and I emphasise HE — believes he’s back on track, I see no reason why he can’t ride.

A six-to-nine-month ban would have been suitable, then a lengthy suspended sentence.

Then the emphasis would have been on sorting himself out.

Have the break. And then come back only if you truly feel you’re ready.

Because if the addiction is still haunting you, don’t return even if you’re allowed.

The BHA did not help Murphy’s well-being, even though it will claim Covid was to blame.

A failed alcohol test at Chester took far too long to come to light.

When asked why, a spokesman told me: “This was all due to issues with the ‘B’ sampling process. There were a number of issues at the labs that were approached, which were exacerbated by coronavirus. This was addressed in the hearing by Oisin Murphy’s solicitor, Rory Mac Neice, who stated the delays were not the fault of Mr Murphy or the BHA, and could not have been foreseen.”

Whatever the case, the stress did not help Murphy’s mental wellbeing.

This must never be allowed to happen again. Testing needs to be done quickly — equally the counter-analysis.

The BHA also stated it would support Murphy. The spokesman added: “We will discuss any support requirements with Oisin Murphy. For obvious reasons we would treat any support or pastoral care provided as confidential.”

It’s not that long since racing lost Pat Eddery to alcohol.

MURPHY WILL KNOW WHEN HE SHOULD RETURN

Pat was one of the greatest riders I have ever seen.

I feel so lucky to have met him and chatted to him with that cheeky smile he had.

There is also no doubt booze didn’t do the late Walter Swinburn any favours, either.

Murphy has done wrong. He lied. But under the influence of a substance that can turn anyone.

Throwing him out for over a year doesn’t help him or the sport.

FREE BETS GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org