Jockey accused of swapping his urine sample
FlAT jockey Graham Gibbons has stood himself down indefinitely from riding after being accused of swapping his urine sample with that of fellow jockey Callum shepherd at Kempton on Wednesday evening.
The move by the 35-year-old pre-empted an announcement by the British horseracing Authority, who were considering moves to suspend the riding licence of the jockey who was due to have five rides at newcastle today.
BhA was acting after a Kempton stewards’ report that Gibbons, who had had one unplaced ride, had substituted his urine sample with one from apprentice shepherd, who now also faces potential disciplinary action by the BhA.
That inquiry heard evidence from both riders, the sampling officer and one of the jockey valets.
A statement issued by the professional Jockeys’ Association said: ‘Callum made a serious error of judgment but to his credit very quickly took steps to correct that error, which ultimately led to the resulting stewards’ enquiry into the matter, to which he gave candid evidence.
‘The pJA can also confirm that Graham Gibbons has voluntarily stood himself down with immediate, indefinite effect.
‘The pJA is in touch with both jockeys and will provide all necessary support. They have been assigned legal representation and will co-operate fully with the investigation.’
The BhA said it hoped a disciplinary panel will be convened as soon as possible once the results of Gibbons’s real urine sample has been returned.
spokesman robin mounsey said: ‘The BhA cannot comment further regarding the incident at present as it is now an ongoing investigation. however, this is clearly an incident that we are taking very seriously and we will be taking the necessary steps to progress this matter.
‘The BhA can confirm that it has been contacted by the pJA on behalf of Graham Gibbons indicating that he will relinquish his jockey’s licence with immediate effect.’
The penalty for avoiding a urine sample test ranges from a six- to a 12-month ban.
Yorkshire-based Gibbons may not be a well known name outside the sport but he has a reputation as a talented jockey. he also has a history of drink-related problems.
he was suspended for 35 days after failing a breathalyser test at hamilton in 2007 and also served a four-year driving ban after pleading guilty to driving while three times over the legal alcohol limit and without insurance.
in April 2013 Gibbons was arrested at Wolverhampton racecourse after failing to attend scarborough magistrates’ Court. he subsequently admitted being drunk and disorderly and failing to answer bail.
his biggest win came on board Ajaya in the 2015 Gimcrack stakes and his 93 winners this year had put him on course to beat his 2013 best of 98. A regular on the all-weather winter Flat racing circuit, Gibbons is currently this year’s leading jockey with 20 wins.
he rode in the Kempton race in october in which jockey Freddy Tylicki was left paralysed from the waist down after a horrific fourhorse pile-up.
Gibbons was one of two jockeys interviewed at a subsequent stewards’ enquiry which concluded the incident was accidental after watching footage, including camera angles not publicly available.
The BhA increased the number of breath and urine tests it carries out on jockeys this year.
The threshold level for both tests is lower than that used to test drink-drivers.