Jockey Payne tests positive for drug
MELBOURNE Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne has been ordered to front an inquiry today to explain a positive test for a banned diet drug.
Racing Victoria stewards said the presence of Phentermine, an appetite suppressant and banned substance, was found in a urine sample taken at the Swan Hill Cup meeting on June 11.
Stewards stood Payne down from riding and trackwork when they were informed of the positive swab on June 23, three days after she rode Royal Ascot.
Payne could not be contacted last night, but her dad Paddy said any penalty could jeopardise her future.
She had taken a dietary capsule known as Neuroform EZ, at he believed, a pill that can be bought online and is widely available overseas.
Mr Payne said Michelle arrived in Australia on Tuesday after spending time in England for the Royal Ascot meeting.
He had not spoken to her directly, he said, but had been told by industry sources about the matter.
“I just heard a whisper – I don’t know if it’s right or not,’’ Mr Payne said.
“She’s got this ride coming up in England in about a month, I think.
“This might upset that, so she wouldn’t like that.’’