Ascot fear after Payne fails test

JOCKEY Michelle Payne could miss Ascot’s Shergar Cup after she failed a test for a banned substance in Australia. Payne faces a Racing Victoria enquiry today after a urine sample taken at Swan Hill on June 11 showed traces of phentermine. The drug is not performance-enhancing but acts as an appetite suppressant. A suspension of one month for Payne is likely but Hugh Bowman was banned for six weeks in 2003 when he failed a test for phentermine. A ban of that length could jeopardise Payne’s place in the female jockeys’ team for the Shergar Cup on August 12. Australia Jockeys’ Association chairman Des O’Keeffe said Payne had taken phentermine on her doctor’s advice but failed to check if it was on the banned list. O’Keefe added Payne had weight problems since a fall last year led to surgery to remove a part of her pancreas.