The reigning champion jockey is due to appear in court next week in Reading after being charged over a road traffic accident in which a car hit a tree in April
Champion jockey Oisin Murphy is clear to continue riding for the time being after being charged with a drink driving offence. The reigning titleholder, who has won the Flat championship four times, is due to appear before magistrates in Reading next Thursday July 3.
The news broke on Thursday when Thames Valley released a statement detailing the offences he faces. “A man has been charged in connection with an ongoing investigation into a serious road traffic collision in Hermitage, West Berkshire,” the statement said.
READ MORE: Derby-winning jockey becomes latest British-based rider to move to Hong KongREAD MORE: York racecourse makes decision on strict dress code in heatwave after Royal Ascot refusal
“Last Thursday (19/6) Oisin Murphy, aged 29, of Beales Farm Road, Lambourn, Hungerford, was charged by postal requisition with one count of driving a motor vehicle while over the prescribed limit of alcohol and one count of failing to cooperate with a preliminary test at the roadside.
“The charge is in connection with a single vehicle road traffic collision around 12.05am on Sunday 27 April this year when a grey Mercedes A Class left the road and crashed into a tree.
“Murphy is due to appear at Reading Magistrates’ Court on 3 July. It is vital that people do not speculate or spread misinformation on social media as this is a live investigation.”
Murphy was arrested and released on police bail after a car hit a tree in April.
He had ridden three winners at Leicester the day before but missed his rides at Southwell on the day of the accident due to what were described on the stewards’ report as “travel issues”. He was back in the saddle at Windsor on the Monday.
Murphy has ridden 86 winners in 2025, more than any other jockey, and leads the jockeys’ championship with 49 winners.
He had a very successful Royal Ascot meeting last week where he rode five winners.
The jockey has a full schedule of mounts over the coming days. He has five rides at Doncaster on Friday, six at York on Saturday, five at Ffos Las on Sunday, eight at Windsor on Monday and is then due to ride at Chelmsford on Tuesday and Thirsk on Wednesday. He has no further rides booked next week.
In the wake of news of the charges, a statement from the British Horseracing Authority said: “The BHA is aware of an update issued by Thames Valley Police this afternoon regarding Mr Oisin Murphy. We are now seeking to gather as much information as possible in order to consider what, if any, implications there are as a result of this development.”
The regulator has issued further guidance to confirm there is nothing to prevent Murphy continuing to ride.
As the case is an ongoing legal matter involving criminal charge the BHA would be likely to await the outcome of the jockey’s court appearance before considering any further response.