DRUG shame jockey Philip Prince has been hit with a six-month ban after admitting to being a ‘regular user of cocaine’.
The Flat rider, who has won almost £100,000 in his career, had 56 times the threshold for the Class A drug when being tested at Wolverhampton races in November last year.
A British Horseracing Authority disciplinary panel heard his sample had a ‘concernigly high’ level of cocaine.
Prince admitted using the drug and said he took it ‘three to four times a week’.
Tomas Nolan, on behalf of the BHA, told a hearing: “He [Prince] stated that he used the drug as a pick-me-up, something which can lift his mood.
“He couldn’t recall when he started using but identified a party at Christmas in 2019 as a possible start point.”
Prince apologised for breaking drugs rules and is currently on a six-week rehab programme.
Rory Mac Neice, representing Prince, said: “He is now rebuilding his life and, in time, his career in horseracing, whatever that might look like.
“He does fully acknowledge that, quite appropriately, he will be subject to enhanced testing if he rides again, possibly for the entirety of his riding career.”
Prince produced a positive sample after riding Itmakesyouthink to fifth in a 7f handicap for employer Mark Loughane.
The jockey said he is now in a ‘positive frame of mind’ after going into recovery.
He said: “I would like to start by apologising to everyone I let down and to the wider sport and also to thank everyone that has helped me though this difficult time.
“I’d also like to thank Rory Mac Neice, Paul Struthers, Sporting Chance and the team at Steps Together. Without them I would not be in recovery and in the positive mind state which I am in now.
“I’d also like to thank the BHA for their help, support and understanding through the entire process.
“I am still at Steps Together and without this place I would still be in active addiction.
“I am now looking forward to my future back in racing and free from addiction and being me again.
“I am finally back in a positive frame of mind and looking forward to the future, which is looking much brighter for me personally than it was not so long ago.”
