Ban again on cards for Elliott

FNQ jockey Mark Elliott is facing another long stint on the sidelines after testing positive to a prohibited substance recently.

The 45-yearold (right) has had a chequered history in the saddle, previously being banned for three years after his fifth positive test to cannabis in 2014.

Following that lengthy ban, the Innisfail-based jockey has been back riding in north Queensland for just over a year, mostly for local trainers Stephen Potiris and Scott Cooper.

Elliot’s race riding return has been a successful one, riding 18 winners across the north over the last 18 months.

The 53kg riding hoop is hoping to have his steward’s inquiry this Saturday at Pease Park to coincide with the club’s five event non-TAB program.

“An Innisfail jockey was stood down on Friday, February 7 after a urine sample he supplied at Townsville last month returned positive to a prohibited substance,” Racing Integrity Commissioner Ross Barnett said.

“The jockey will remain stood down until a confirmatory test is returned.”

It was expected that Elliot’s second sample would come back from testing this week.

Elliot was offered the opportunity to have his sample independently tested, but declined. In 2014, a fifth positive test to cannabis had the then Townsville-based Elliott disqualified for three years by Racing Queensland stewards.

Meanwhile, former Cairnsbased trainer Jade Doolan was recognised as the “Newcomer of the year” in Emerald at the On the Bit Queensland Country Racing Awards last weekend.

Also at the awards, the Ewan Cup received a prize for non-TAB race of the year.