Latest news with #ThamesValley
The Sun
20 hours ago
- The Sun
How many chances does Oisin Murphy need? The drink driving charge is the latest bleak chapter in a disheartening story
HOW many chances does Oisin Murphy need? Of course, I must caveat this entire column by saying he has not been found guilty, or admitted guilt, to the Thames Valley Police charges of drink driving and failing to provide a roadside breath test. 1 He will appear in court next week, and if he does plead guilty he will lose his drivers' licence and could, in theory, face more serious punishment. We will have to wait and see how it plays out. But his career has been chequered, to say the least. Let's first consider the positives — Murphy is a tremendous talent. He was one of those jockeys who always looked destined for the top while he was an apprentice, and he shot to prominence with a four-timer on Ayr Gold Cup day as an 18-year-old. He was given the opportunities and took them, ending up as stable No1 to Andrew Balding and as retained jock for Qatar Racing. Murphy, 29, is aware of his obligations as one of our leading jockeys to engage with the public, and he does it very well on social media. His ability was on full show at Royal Ascot, when he rode five winners and was especially lethal over the straight track. But it was during the Royal meeting that a letter dropped onto his doormat from the Crown Prosecution Service saying they were charging him, and so began the latest bleak chapter of one of racing's most disheartening storylines. It is quite clear there is another — how can I put it — less polished side to Murphy than the one you see in public. I've experienced it first hand over the years. Of course it is sad to see a person struggle with an addiction to alcohol — I know what it's like to battle addiction — but if it transpires he had been drinking and got behind the wheel of a car, it's hard to comprehend. Murphy needs help as he quite clearly isn't ready to help himself. He has the world at his feet, but it appears he can't stop pushing the self-destruct button. And too many people around him have covered for him and brushed his issues under the carpet. And they keep surfacing again and again. First, he was banned for three months in 2020 for testing positive for cocaine. He said he was contaminated after having sex with a girl who had taken the drug, so he was given a lenient sentence. Then issues with the bottle began to surface. He failed multiple breath tests and — as exclusively revealed in Sunracing on 2021 Qipco Champions' Day — was involved in an ugly scrap outside a boozer in Newmarket. This was after he had completely disregarded Covid-19 regulations to travel to Mykonos, Greece, in the September of 2020, which, at that time, was on the government's 'red list'. He lied to the BHA about where he had been, returned to the UK and went straight back into the weighing room without isolating himself, potentially putting his colleagues at risk of infection. He was banned for 14 months, during which time he did a lot of media work and spoke about his problems with drink, how he had started attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and would never touch the stuff again. So when he was re-granted his licence, the BHA attached strict conditions, including increased breath testing and a requirement for Murphy 'to remain sober'. After all, it was not that long ago that Graham Gibbons was blamed for a pile-up at Kempton which left Freddie Tylicki in a wheelchair, and in court it was alleged his breath smelled of alcohol on the day. In racing, riding while even slightly impaired is incredibly dangerous. More recently, eyebrows were raised when Murphy failed to turn up at Kempton Park for scheduled alcohol breath testing because, allegedly, he was suffering from especially painful haemorrhoids which required A&E attention. He was back in the saddle shortly after and, as far as I'm aware, the old Chalfont St Giles haven't bothered him to the same extent before or since the missed test. And now he has been involved in a car crash while allegedly over the limit with a passenger in the car — there has been a theme of apparent disregard for the safety of others which is unacceptable. Is it just 'demons'? Or, which is an uncomfortable question to pose, does he just not care? If he is found or pleads guilty on Thursday, the BHA will have no option but to immediately suspend his riding licence in my view. Every time Murphy has done something wrong, his actions have been excused one way or another. How many more chances does he need?
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
I feel overwhelming sadness for Oisin Murphy – and there's only one person who can truly help him
OISIN MURPHY is up in court next week. Some of you won't be surprised, some of you won't care and some of you will think he deserves everything he gets. 2 However some of you, like me, will just be saddened it's come to this for an outstanding champion. It was on Thursday when news broke Murphy must appear at Reading Magistrates' Court charged with one count of driving a car while over the prescribed limit of alcohol, and one count of failing to co-operate with a test at the roadside. Shortly afterwards, many on my social media demanded I should speak out against Murphy, someone whose ability I have always respected. Unlike those on social media, I never feel I'm in a position to hammer those who struggle in life. I'm just not that perfect myself, and it always surprises me how many appear to live such perfect lives that they can annihilate others so easily. Of course, there is a difference between right and wrong, and, at the time of his car accident, Murphy had a female passenger in his vehicle. The Thames Valley Police appeal for witnesses after the crash said the girl suffered 'serious injuries' but I know no more details and nothing about her recovery, or if she was seriously injured at all. I also don't know how Murphy will plead next Thursday. Some say he could even be looking at a prison sentence. Personally, I don't see how that would help him or society at all, but that's just my opinion and others will differ. What I do know is — as I have said — I feel an overwhelming sadness for Murphy. I felt the same after the death of Pat Eddery. His passing had a real effect on me, as I knew Pat well. Pat had drink issues but, in many ways, it appeared to me some encouraged Pat to turn to booze rather than try to stop him. I will always believe more could have been done but, ultimately, Pat himself needed to change. It's the same with Murphy. On a racehorse he's magical and makes a difference. He is on another level to most riders. But off a racehorse, Murphy has clearly struggled over many years. The people who know him, both personally and professionally, have to look at each other and wonder what more we can do to help. Yes… help. Murphy needs more of it. Some would counter that he's had many chances already, and there is no doubting he has. But demons are demons. I have mine, you have yours. More can always be done to help another human being rid themselves of theirs. OK, now onto Saturday's racing. The Northumberland Plate takes some sorting out — and Willie Mullins' unexposed runner Pappano adds to the intrigue. Andrew Balding's Who's Glen has been backed and will go well. James Owen has the terrier East India Dock as well as Charging Thunder and interesting roughies Lavender Hill Mob and Shajack. Yet the one who interests me is ZANNDABAD (3.15, Newcastle) for Tony Martin. My fancy doesn't have a great draw but will surely be dropped out for a late run under Jim Crowley. On the Flat he was sixth in the 2024 Ascot Stakes — where he didn't get the 2m4f — off 94. He was also sixth in the Irish Cesarewitch later that season off the same mark, where he was never placed to challenge but kept on nicely. A mark of 93 for this race is more than workable. Elsewhere at Newcastle all eyes will be on Group 1 victor Kind Of Blue in the Group 3 Chipchase Stakes over 6f. Kind Of Blue is the class act but he also makes the market interesting for an each-way poke. I'll give ALYANAABI another chance as I think he's been crying out for this trip and it's the first time he has gone the distance since his racecourse debut, which he won well. He returned this term over 7f at Haydock and made most of the running to win, but he then flopped at the same track last time. Hard to predict but a place chance for Crowley again but this time for Owen Burrows. Like Zannadabd, Alyanaabi has never run on artificial before. Good luck all… and Yeeehaaa! Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who:
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Oisin Murphy clear to continue riding after drink driving charge
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. "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.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Champion jockey Oisin Murphy charged with drink driving after 'serious road traffic collision'
Four-time champion jockey Oisin Murphy has been charged with drink driving after he was involved in a car crash in April. A Thames Valley Police statement read: 'A man has been charged in connection with an ongoing investigation into a serious road traffic collision in Hermitage, West Berkshire. '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.'
BBC News
4 days ago
- BBC News
Two people taken to hospital after suspected arson in Slough
Several residents were evacuated from their homes and two people were taken to hospital with smoke inhalation after a suspected arson Valley Police said the fire started behind the buildings on Grove Parade in Slough at about 01:10 BST on Sunday.A black Land Rover was destroyed and the building was damaged. Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is also were later allowed to return to their homes. The two people suffering the effects of breathing in smoke have left hospital. Det Insp Sarah Roxburgh said she understood the incident would be "concerning" but said officers were working hard to "bring those responsible to justice".She appealed to anyone with information or camera footage to come forward. You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
