JOCKEYS’ COCAINE SHAME
Three riders hit with bans after testing positive on same day
THREE Irish jockeys have been suspended after testing positive for traces of cocaine.
Last year’s Irish Grand National winner Ger Fox and amateur riders Roger Quinlan and Danny Benson were handed the bans on Thursday night.
All three cases relate to a Galway meeting in October. A statement from the Turf Club Referrals Committee said: “This is unacceptable for racing.”
THE Turf Club is to impose tougher penalties on jockeys found to have taken drugs.
Horseracing’s regulatory body made the vow after three Irish riders who tested positive for cocaine were suspended.
Last year’s Irish Grand National winner Ger Fox and amateurs Roger Quinlan and Danny Benson were handed the bans on Thursday night.
A statement from the Turf Club’s Referrals Committee described the issue as “unacceptable for racing”.
The trio tested positive for metabolites of cocaine at a Galway meeting in October.
Fox, 28, was banned for two years with the last 18-and-a-half months suspended providing he submits to random testing and continues to have the support of his employer, trainer Gavin Cromwell.
From Ardcath, Co Meath, Fox rode Rogue Angel to National glory at Fairyhouse in March last year.
Quinlan received a ban of two years with the last 21 months suspended if he co-operates with the Turf Club medical team.
Benson, from Dunsany, Co Meath, will miss two years, although there will be a review in six months on the condition he positively engages in a rehab programme.
The Referrals Committee statement said: “We can’t have another like tonight [Thursday] where three riders tested on the same day were positive. This is unacceptable for racing.
“To date we have tried to impose punishment with an encouragement to undertake rehab. This has worked in individual cases but it is clear that the deterrent effect of the penalties imposed is not enough.
“We are asking Denis Egan, in his capacity as CEO of the Turf Club, to write to all the representative bodies to say that in future the starting point for penalties will be four years plus whatever follows.
“There will be no coming back in six months, except in very exceptional circumstances. What is currently happening cannot continue.
“There is help available for any rider who needs it and they can contact Dr [Adrian] Mcgoldrick [Turf Club chief medical officer] in the strictest confidence if they need help. We would encourage them to do so.”
It is not the first time a jockey has been suspended for using cocaine.
In 2012, top flat rider Frankie Dettori was given a six-month ban after testing positive in France.
Four years previously now retired Co Clare man Kieran Fallon received an 18-month suspension for his second positive test.
Irish jockey Shane Kelly was handed a two-year ban, half of which was suspended, in 2015.