OISÍN Murphy will appear before the independent disciplinary panel of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) on Tuesday to answer charges relating to a breach of Covid protocols and twice testing positive for alcohol above permitted levels on the racecourse.

The BHA announced in December it had conducted a “detailed investigation” after being made aware of a possible breach of coronavirus protocols by Murphy related to travel in September.

The BHA subsequently issued three charges and a hearing in front of a disciplinary panel was arranged to take place on December 10th.

But after receiving submissions from Murphy’s legal team regarding his welfare, and Murphy deciding to relinquish his riding licence with immediate effect, the BHA agreed to postpone the hearing.

Murphy returned two positive tests for alcohol on the racecourse in 2021, at Chester in May and at Newmarket in October.

Murphy was crowned champion for a third time in a row on Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot in October following an epic battle with William Buick.

He enjoyed another fine season with multiple Group 1 wins last year but off the track it was not plain sailing for the Killarney native, who was forced to give up rides at Newmarket in October after failing a racecourse breathalyser test amid reports of an incident the previous night.

In a statement issued in December, Murphy admitted his wrongdoing and apologised to the relevant people around him, while admitting he needed serious help. It is unclear when he will return to race riding.

Dunne appeal

Robbie Dunne’s appeal against the suspension imposed for bullying and harassing fellow jockey Bryony Frost will be heard by the BHA appeal board on March 30th.

The rider was banned for 18 months, with three months suspended, after being found to have engaged in conduct at the track, online and in the weighing room that was prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct and good reputation of racing following an independent disciplinary panel hearing in December.

Dunne lodged his appeal against both the findings of the disciplinary panel and the penalty imposed on January 20th, with the appeal hearing set for March 30th.

The rider is currently suspended until March 2023.