Champion jockey Oisin Murphy has been charged with drink driving and failing to co-operate with police following a car crash in April. The 29-year-old, who has been a dominant figure in British Flat racing, was arrested after a grey Mercedes A Class crashed into a tree in Hermitage, Berkshire.

Thames Valley Police confirmed that Murphy has been charged with one count of driving a motor vehicle while over the prescribed limit of alcohol and one count of failing to co-operate with a preliminary test at the roadside. The incident occurred around 12.05 BST on Sunday, 27 April this year.

Murphy, a four-time champion jockey, is scheduled to appear at Reading Magistrates' Court on 3 July. The charges were filed on 19 June, the same day he rode two winners at the prestigious Royal Ascot.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has issued a statement acknowledging the charges and is currently gathering information to assess any potential implications for Murphy's career. "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 BHA stated.

This incident is not the first time Murphy has faced legal and professional challenges. In October, he spoke to BBC Sport about undergoing counselling, which he said had greatly helped him. Murphy returned to racing in March 2023 after serving a 14-month suspension for breaches of Covid-19 rules and twice failing racecourse breath tests for alcohol.

The horse racing community is now watching closely as Murphy navigates this latest setback, which could have significant repercussions for his future in the sport.