raced since November 2021, shortly before it emerged he was facing disciplinary charges brought by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).
It related to breaching Covid protocols in 2020 as well as failing two alcohol breathalyser tests the following year.Murphy, a three-time British champion jockey, later admitted to 'misleading or attempting to mislead the BHA or one of its employees' over his whereabouts during the Covid pandemic, as well as his two alcohol breaches.
He was duly banned until February this year.READ NOW: Cheltenham Festival punters set for delight as strip club gets green light to openBut now he'll return for a ride on the card at Chelmsford on Thursday after having his licence returned this month.
The Irish jockey will partner the Mick Appleby-trained Jupiter Express in the second race of the day, the Winning Connections Networking Handicap.Broadcaster Chris Dixon helps run The Horse Watchers syndicate that owns Jupiter Express, said previous history wasn't going to stop them using a top jockey."Mick was always going to support him, he's ridden plenty of winners for him over the years - and us - so when a top jockey is available we are not afraid to use them," he said."We're happy to give him his first ride back.