British Champion Jockey Oisin Murphy has denied that he has ever taken cocaine after he tested positive following a Chantilly racemeeting in July. He faces a six month ban if found guilty.
He issued a media statement on Thursday 1 October via the Professional Jockeys Association.
It states:
On 19 July 2020 Oisin Murphy was selected for urine testing at Chantilly racecourse.
On 19 August 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 22 August with the collection process filmed by the laboratory for authenticity.
The laboratory analysed multiple 0.3cm segments of Oisin’s hair and on 26 August 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.
Oisin Murphy said:
“I have never taken cocaine in my life and I will do everything that I can to prove that I have not taken cocaine. 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.”
