HE swears hes never taken a drug in his life, but jockey Robbie Downey faces a six-month ban for apparently doing just that.
The French racing authorities imposed the suspension on Downey for allegedly riding while under the influence of cocaine, despite the British-based rider providing two hair tests that returned negative for the drug.
I asked Downey if he has ever taken drugs. He told me: I promise you, Matt, its a disgrace. I have never touched a drug in my life.
Look, I dont hide away on a Saturday night so dont get me wrong. But no way would I touch a drug.
I believe him.
Downey has made public the findings of historical hair-testing conducted in Britain and France that appear to support his insistence of innocence.
An official report posted by France Galop reveals Downey, who has ridden nine winners from 132 rides in Britain this year, tested positive for metabolites of cocaine while in action at Lion dAngers on June 19. He was found guilty at a France Galop hearing on October 3.
Downey, currently in India, continued: I was absolutely shocked to hear I had failed a drug test. Not only have I never taken drugs but I have never associated with anybody who does. Ive gone through every measure possible to clear my name.
Ive paid almost 5,000 between UK and French laboratories in tests trying to clear my name. And Im very disappointed France Galop has not accepted them.
Im also disappointed they wouldnt give me the level of cocaine in my urine samples Ive spent thousands of pounds on. Even though Ive asked and paid for it to be done.
As far as I am aware, there are no threshold levels in France. For example a jockey could be tested and if a microscopic amount of cocaine turned up it can count as a fail. That seems ridiculous.
Anybody could have that in their system from an environmental contamination and never know. Considering the amount of drugs in society this could happen by total accident.
Racing authorities tend to reciprocate bans in other countries but the BHA can take a stance here and back Downey.
Six months off the track would be a serious blow for Downey. It could ruin his career. BHA, do the right thing. Be a leader.
