OISIN MURPHY is jetting out of Britain a day after his £70,000 drink-drive ban and grovelling apology for a late night car crash.
The four-time champion jockey was given the massive fine and 20-month disqualification at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Thursday following his guilty plea.
Oisin Murphy has been fined £70,000 and banned from driving for 20 months but is free to continue riding – and he has a huge ride a day after his guilty plea[/caption]
Murphy drove his Mercedes into a tree in Hermitage, Berkshire, and left a female passenger with ‘serious injuries’ just after midnight on April 27.
The BHA have confirmed the 29-year-old Irishman is free to continue riding.
And he has the chance to get back almost half of his fine in one go thanks to a money-spinning ride in the US on Friday night.
Murphy heads to New York for the leg up on Qatar Racing-owned New Century in the Belmont Derby at Saratoga, where victory in the 10.45pm BST contest is worth £330,000.
Should Murphy oblige on the well-backed 7-4 favourite he can expect roughly ten per cent of the winnings – around £30,000.
He won’t spend long in the US though.
Murphy is right back into the thick of things at Sandown on Saturday for their brilliant Coral-Eclipse card.
He’ll fly overnight from the States and land in time for the ride on Royal Ascot winner Adrestia in the 1.50 at the Surrey track.
That’s the first of seven rides on the day, the highlight being 2,000 Guineas winner Ruling Court in the Eclipse itself.
Murphy released a statement on X on Thursday evening after his guilty plea.
He said: “I would like to sincerely apologise for my actions.
“I know that drink driving is unacceptable and there is no excuse for what I did.
“I have let a lot of people down.
“I particularly want to apologise to my passenger and her family.
“Due to the police investigation, I have so far been able to share only minimal details of my offence with the British Horseracing Authority.
“I will now be fully co-operative with their enquiries.
“It would not be appropriate for me to comment further until that process is concluded.”
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.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.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
