Champion jockey Oisin Murphy has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and failing to cooperate with a roadside test, following his involvement in a serious road traffic collision which took place in Hermitage, West Berkshire back in April this year.
A statement released by Thames Valley Police on Thursday 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 has continued to ride since the incident occurred nearly nine weeks ago, including at Royal Ascot where he entered the winner's enclosure on five occasions. He currently leads the British Flat jockeys' championship in his quest for a fifth title with 49 winners.
Later on Thursday, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) issued the following statement, “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.”
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