Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Horse Racing

Red-faced jockey banned for six months after failing drug test and then caught trying to swap positive urine sample

AUSSIE jockey Kayla Atkinson has been banned from riding for six months.

The 20-year-old copped the punishment after she switched her positive urine sample with another.

Atkinson – an apprentice rider – was caught in December at Caufield Racecourse.

She has since pleaded guilty to two charges under Rule AR 136.

Atkinson admitted to providing a positive sample of a banned substance and for TWICE substituting her urine sample.

She was banned for six months on each charge but will serve the penalties concurrently.

A release from the Racing Victoria stewards read: “When directed to provide a urine sample, Ms Atkinson substituted her urine sample on two occasions.”

Atkinson is free to re-apply for her licence from June 7th when her current ban expires.

The specific substance found in Atkinson’s sample isn’t provided as Racing Victoria list all banned substances in one group.

In Britain jockey Graham Gibbons was banned for two-and-a-half years for a similar incident.

Gibbons was selected for a random test at Kempton and attempted to swap his test with young rider Callum Shepherd, who was not charged.

Gibbons soon tested positive for cocaine and hasn’t ridden since.

The Irishman had hoped to make a comeback but has since been jailed for drink-driving.

FREE BETS GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to SE. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org


Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

  • Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
  • Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
  • Never chase their losses
  • Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
  • Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
  • Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/inside-ruler-of-dubais-amazing-300million-superyacht-with-own-disco-helipad-squash-court-and-room-for-115-guests