CHAMPION jockey Oisin Murphy has been banned for three months by governing body France Galop after testing positive for metabolites of cocaine.

Murphy, who successfully defended his title this season, failed a test at Chantilly on July 19, having ridden The Lir Jet, owned by his bosses Qatar Racing.

Having always strenuously denied he had taken any drugs, Murphy requested a B sample. Upon receiving the results, France Galop held a hearing on Wednesday.