CHAMPION JOCKEY OISIN Murphy has been fined £70,000 (€81,300) after he admitted driving a car while drunk and crashing into a tree earlier this year.

Murphy, 29, of Beales Farm Road, Lambourn, Hungerford, was also banned from driving for a period of 20 months at Reading Magistrates’ Court today after he pleaded guilty to one count of driving a motor vehicle while over the prescribed limit of alcohol.

He was charged by postal requisition on 19 June after he drove his grey Mercedes A Class off the road and into a tree in Hermitage, Berkshire, at about 12.05am on 27 April.

He had a passenger with him at the time, who was the owner of the car, the court heard. They were both taken to hospital after the crash.

Murphy was later discharged to take a breathalyser test at a police station at about 7am, which showed a reading of 66mg per 100 millilitres of breath.

This meant he was “just shy of twice above the drink-driving limit” at the time of driving, prosecutor Richard Atkins told the court.

He was subsequently interviewed by Thames Valley Police officers but was unable to confirm what had happened as he claimed he did not have a clear memory of the incident, the prosecution added.

Murphy grew up in Killarney, Co Kerry and rode five winners at last month’s Royal Ascot last week.

Sporting a dark blue suit, white shirt, and tie, Murphy only spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address before entering his guilty plea.

Jockey Oisin Murphy arrives at Reading Magistrates' Court Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Judge Sam Goozee told Murphy he was taking two aggravating factors into account, adding: “Your vehicle was involved in a collision which indicates an impairment. You were also carrying a passenger.

“You are lucky that neither you, your passenger, or the public were injured by your actions.

“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.”

Murphy received a £70,000 fine, with a £2,000 surcharge and £85 in costs.

The figure was calculated based on his annual earnings, which the court heard are in the region of £250,000 a year, in addition to a weekly salary of £1,250.

Murphy will also have to complete a drink-driving awareness course by 13 August 2026, and will be able to reapply for a driving licence by November next year.

Murphy published a statement this evening in which he apologised for the offence.

“I would like to sincerely apologise for my actions,” he wrote.

“I know that drink driving is unacceptable and there is no excuse for what I did.

“I have let a lot of people down. I particularly want to apologise to my passenger and her family.

“I have so far been able to share only minimal details of my offence with the British Horseracing Authority as a result of the police investigation.

“I will now be fully co-operative with their enquiries.

“It would not be appropriate for me to comment further until that process is concluded.”

The British Horseracing Authority said Murphy will remain free to continue riding, but new conditions will likely be added to his licence as a result of his conviction.

“Everyone at the BHA, like all involved in our sport, is disappointed today having learned the details of the offence to which Oisin Murphy has pleaded guilty,” a spokesperson for the BHA said in a statement.

“This is a very serious offence that, in the course of being committed, saw Mr Murphy jeopardise not only his own safety but that of his passenger and all other people travelling on the roads at the same time as him that night.

“His conduct fell a long way short of the standard we expect of all licensed individuals, in whom we place trust that they will represent our sport to the best of their abilities, upholding our collective reputation and ensuring racing is a safe place for all.

“In light of Mr Murphy’s guilty plea and the information revealed in court today, we will be working on the addition of new conditions on his licence that may be referred to the Licensing Committee for their consideration.

“As has been the case in recent weeks, Mr Murphy remains free to take up his riding engagements.”

“We will issue an update on this process in due course and will be making no further comment at this time,” the BHA added.