Time Out. Frankie Dettori has been found guilty
Frankie Dettori has been suspended from riding for six months after being found guilty of taking a prohibited substance, his legal representative Christopher Stewart-Moore said on Wednesday morning.
The three-times British champion jockey, 41, tested positive for what is believed to be cocaine following a routine examination at Longchamp on September 16. Dettori’s suspension runs from November 20 to May 19 and is likely to be reciprocated by racing jurisdictions worldwide, including by the British Horseracing Authority.
Stewart-Moore said in a statement released to Press Association that Dettori “fully accepts” France Galop’s decision to ban him for six months.
“France Galop have today announced their finding Frankie Dettori has committed a breach of their rules relating to prohibited substances,” said Stewart-Moore.
“I have spoken to Frankie since the announcement was made and he has told me he fully accepts France Galop’s decision. He also accepts that he has let down the sport he loves and all those associated with it, as well as the wider public. But most of all, and this is his greatest regret, he has let down his wife and children.”
Time To Relax. Frankie and his wife Catherine will have plenty of free time
With the BHA set to reciprocate France Galop’s suspension, he will back in time to feature in the Derby and the Oaks at Epsom – and at Royal Ascot in June.
Italian-born Dettori, who will be 42 on December 15, had four rides at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe trials meeting on September 16, after which the sample was returned.
The case was then put before the medical commission of France Galop in Paris on November 20. It was announced a day later that he was temporarily suspended from competing in France on medical grounds.
Dettori’s hearing concluded at France Galop’s headquarters in Paris on Tuesday. Stewart-Moore said his client had received “a sympathetic hearing”
www.guardian.co.uk
