Oisin Murphy, who was champion jockey three times, will have his first ride in Britain following his 14-month ban for alcohol and Covid breaches at Chelmsford Racecourse on Thursday. It is fantastic to see one of the best riders on earth back doing what he does best, and he will want to get off to a winning start. View all of our free horse racing tips on the website.
Murphy’s first ride back will be aboard the Mick Appleby runner Jupiter Express in this very competitive Class 5 handicap over 6f. The son of Kodiac was sent off favourite at Wolverhampton last month and just bumped into one who was too good on the day in the shape of Kensington Agent, beaten about a length for a finish.
Jupiter Express has gone up 3lb in the weights for that effort so the handicapper has certainly had his say. Nonetheless, Murphy will be out to put his demons behind him and he may well ride like a man possessed once he gets back in the saddle. The horse has a lovely inside draw in stall two which can help Murphy get a nice pitch on the rail early.
Another positive is the fact the Appleby yard have been banging in the winners in the last few weeks, and they will be eager to give Murphy his first winner back after such a long time off the track. Murphy will have regular testing for drugs and alcohol moving forward, but one would imagine that he will grasp this opportunity with both hands now he has been given another chance.
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