Dettori to discover drug test fate today

Published on 05/12/2012 00:00

Jockey Frankie Dettori expects to learn today what his punishment will be for failing a drugs test in France in September.

France Galop concluded its inquiry into Dettori’s case 
yesterday morning, with the rider’s legal team saying he had received “a sympathetic hearing”.

The 41-year-old jockey could be handed a six-month ban after testing positive for a banned substance at Longchamp on 16 September. Any ban could be reciprocated by racing jurisdictions worldwide.

The French racing authority’s medical commission held an initial inquiry last month before passing their findings on to the stewards for their consideration.

France Galop announced on 21 November that Dettori would be temporarily suspended from riding in France with immediate effect on medical grounds, although he has not ridden in public since the Melbourne Cup in Australia on 6 November.

Dettori’s solicitor, Christopher Stewart-Moore said: “We have had a very sympathetic hearing and out of respect to France Galop, we will not be making any comment until such time as France Galop make their announcement.”

The jockey had four rides at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe trials meeting, after which the sample was returned.

Dettori made the headlines in October when his 18-year association with powerful owners Godolphin came to an end, with the three-times champion jockey planning to ride as a freelance in 2013.

In other racing news, Graham Lee capped an incredible start to the first year of his reinvention as a Flat jockey with his 100th winner of 2012 at Wolverhampton. He brought the 1-2 favourite Prophets Pride home in the Dine In Horizons Median Auction Maiden Stakes.

l Musselburgh will stage an 
additional jumps meeting on Sunday, 16 December.