Payne in regret at positive drug test

MICHELLE Payne will return from a drug-related suspension in time to take on the world’s best jockeys in England.

Payne was handed a onemonth suspension by Racing Victoria stewards following a positive urine test to a weightloss drug that included banned substance phentermine.

Payne, who expressed regret and took responsibility for the offence, is among the world’s elite jockeys who will compete in the Shergar Cup at Ascot, England, on August 14.

Payne returned the positive test at a Swan Hill race meeting on June 11.

The hearing revealed the lingering effects of a near-fatal fall at Mildura last May in which the Melbourne Cup hero damaged her pancreas.

Payne said she took prescribed medication more to combat ongoing gastric issues than reduce her riding weight.

She said she was embarrassed by the positive drug test – taken at the Swan Hill races on June 11 – and would work with her surgeon to seek a more suitable medication. “Sensitive’’ medical information was presented to stewards yesterday but not revealed during the inquiry.

Payne said she “takes full responsibility” for the inadvertent breach and that she regretted not seeking greater medical guidance.

“This is 100 per cent my fault,” she said.

“I would like to make it clear that I take full responsibility for what has happened today. The onus is 100 per cent with me as a rider to know what I am taking and the rules around it, regardless of whether it has been prescribed to me or not,” Payne said in a statement.

“I regret not seeking more guidance and making certain that any treatment would lead to a breach of the rules and why we are here today. I wasn’t thorough and that is completely my fault. My sincere apologies to everyone that this has happened in the manner that it has.”