Irish champion jockey labels drink-driving conviction a 'nightmare' and 'mistake'
Irish champion jockey Oisin Murphy has described his recent 'nightmare' following a car crash and subsequent drink-driving conviction in a UK court.
The Kerry native was banned from driving for 20 months and hit with a fine of £70,000 (€80,000) after admitting to driving a vehicle over the prescribed limit of alcohol in April.
The court heard that the 29-year-old drove his Mercedes A Class off the road and into a tree in the English village of Hermitage in the county of Berkshire at 12.05am on Sunday, April 27.
Both the Kerryman and his female passenger were taken to hospital after the crash, with Murphy then twice taking breathalyser test at a police station once he was discharged.
Oisin Murphy admitted drink-driving (PA)
The jockey was found to be over the drink-driving limit after blowing a reading of 66mg per 100m of breath.
Following the court proceedings, the British Horseracing Authority imposed an 'extremely strict set of conditions and monitoring requirements' on Murphy's riding licence, the details of which have been kept confidential.
The Irishman has now spoken up for the first time in the wake of his convcition and has labelled the ordeal as a 'nightmare for everyone involved'.
"It's very important not to make that error again, it was a nightmare particularly for everyone involved, not just myself, for everyone else and the people who had to pick up the pieces, my support network,' he said in an interview with At The Races.
Jockey Oisin Murphy. Photo: Jonathan Brady/PA
Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 15th 2025
"Time is a great healer but I won't be forgetting about that mistake.
"They (the BHA) never disclose licence information, I'm not the first jockey to drink and drive or commit offences, it's obviously more high profile because it's me.
"Due to the profile I have, those incidents should never occur but the BHA have been fantastic to work with and I really appreciate what they have done to help me and I want to repay them.'
Murphy also offered an update on the condition of the passenger who was alongside him for the crash, noting she 'is really well'.
When asked whether she was back living a normal life, the 29-year-old responded: 'I don't think that's anyone's business.'
During sentencing, Judge Sam Goozee has stated that Murphy was 'lucky that neither you, your passenger, or the public were injured'.
The judge added: 'I do balance that with the remorse you have shown for your actions. You have also recognised that you have let the public down by virtue of your actions, and your colleagues in the racing world.'
The Killarney man stated he has been in counselling for the past four years but has 'relied on it an awful lot' since the crash in April.
Murphy's racing career has continued since his driving ban and recently landed a double at Windsor Racecourse this past Monday.
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