CHAMPION jockey Oisín Murphy will not appeal against the 14-month riding ban he received this week for a breach of Covid raceday protocols and two positive tests for alcohol.

The Kerryman faced an independent judiciary panel at the British Horseracing Authority’s offices on Tuesday in relation to breaking Covid protocols in September 2020, and two failed tests for alcohol in May and October of 2021 – as well as one charge of “acting in a manner which is prejudicial to the proper integrity, conduct and good reputation of the sport.”

Murphy, who did not contest any of the charges, was given three 11-month suspensions for the two Covid breaches and conduct prejudicial to the reputation of the sport, all to run concurrently, along with a £31,111 fine.

He was also given 10 days for an alcohol positive for his test at Chester on May 5th and a further 90 days for another positive recorded at Newmarket on October 8th, meaning he cannot return to race-riding until February 16th, 2023.

In December, Murphy temporarily relinquished his licence to tackle his “health issues” in the face of the BHA charges.

In a statement at the time, he said: “It became obvious to me and to everyone else that I needed to seek serious help.

“Whether I deserve it or not, many kind people have stood by me and I really appreciate their support. I’m deeply embarrassed and regret my actions.”

Fallon promotion

Cieren Fallon will take over as Qatar Racing’s number one rider during Murphy’s absence from the saddle. Fallon was appointed understudy to Murphy for Sheikh Fahad’s racing operation in August 2020. He has ridden two Group 1 winners in his career to-date, both aboard the Roger Teal-trained Oxted.

Sheikh Fahad has left the door open for Murphy to return once his licence is restored, however.

Qatar Racing issued a statement backing Murphy and confirming Fallon’s appointment.

It read: “Qatar Racing respects the findings of the BHA independent judicial panel. This period will provide Oisín with further time to continue his rehabilitation which Qatar Racing fully supports.

“We, and the whole sport, look forward to him returning to the racecourse. In the meantime, Oisín will remain on the Qatar Racing team and Cieren Fallon will take over and ride as Qatar Racing’s first jockey until Oisín returns.”

The BHA released a statement after the disciplinary panel’s findings were published, which condemned Murphy’s multiple rule breaches before concluding: “In their summing up, the independent Panel stated that Mr Murphy’s conduct was unworthy of a sportsman and previous champion, and he had let down his colleagues and the sport.

“We would, however, also acknowledge that Mr Murphy later made full, public admissions regarding these offences, and did not seek to contest the rule breaches at today’s hearing. He also gave full and frank admissions regarding his personal battles.”