Doyle handed suspended ban over positive test

HOLLIE Doyle has been handed a onemonth ban — suspended for one year — having tested positive for traces of a banned substance found in a painkiller used to treat an elbow injury.

The charge relates to Doyle returning a positive test for Dihydrocodeine (DHC) following her return to riding from a lengthy injury layoff.

Having undergone surgery on her elbow in February 2023, Doyle returned at Newcastle on March 31, having been prescribed DHC post-operatively.

Upon interview, Doyle also said she had been taking what she believed to be ibuprofen tablets previously ‘over the counter’ in Japan and had used those as pain relief. These tablets are marketed as ‘Pabron Ace Pro’.

Following an investigation by the British Horseracing Authority, it was thought the likely source of DHC was therapeutic consumption of Pabron Ace Pro and Doyle had attempted to check the ingredients.

Sarah Crowther KC, chair of the BHA’s independent disciplinary panel, said: ‘The breach was unintended. There is no evidence to suggest that Ms Doyle’s suitability to hold a licence is affected.

‘The period of one-month suspension reflects the seriousness of the breach.

‘I am content that the penalty can be suspended for one year and maintain its deterrent effect.’

In a statement, Doyle said: ‘In April, when returning to ride after my elbow injury, Dr Jerry Hill informed me that I had tested positive for traces of Dihydrocodeine.

‘I required elbow surgery in February and was prescribed Dihydrocodeine, which I stopped consuming a few days after my operation. In April I tested positive on my return to ride, and I stated that I had only been taking ibuprofen and paracetamol throughout my recovery.

‘After some research we found that the contamination came from a packet of ibuprofen which I had purchased when riding overseas, that unknowingly contained small amounts of Dihydrocodeine.’