Young jockey gets six-month ban after testing positive for cocaine on day he rode 3-1 winner
YOUNG jockey Dylan Whelan was slapped with a six-month suspension on Monday when a disciplinary panel heard he tested positive for cocaine on May 7.
Whelan, 24, had ridden 3-1 shot Trincomalee to victory at Fakenham in a handicap chase the day the test was taken.
Whelan won The Malton Marquees Handicap Hurdle at Market Rasen last June for trainer Ben Pauling[/caption]
He had two more rides last season before his interim suspension kicked in on May 16 and he has not been on the track since.
His six-month suspension – the usual for first time cocaine offenders – has now almost been served.
Joseph Sinclair, who was presenting the BHA’s case to the panel, said: “He’d taken cocaine, in his words, perhaps once in a blue moon. It had been something he’d done in the past.
“In terms of the why, he pointed to moving from home at a young age, the pressures on him, not seeing his family, pressures from work, perhaps leading him to what he did.”
Barrister and former National Hunt jockey Rory Mac Neice, who was appearing on behalf of Whelan, said: “Being notified of this positive test was a very significant event for him.
THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE
The only place to get Templegate’s tips first – and at the best prices – is by joining Sun Racing’s brilliant Members Enclosure.
Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing’s best winning team and get…
- Four free racing tickets, four times a year – worth £300
- Templegate’s daily tips at the BEST prices before anyone else
- Tomorrow’s copy of The Favourite at 9pm today
- Exclusive insights from top trainer Ben Pauling
- VIP competitions from Racing Breaks each month
- New customer offer with Coral
Become a member today for just £1*
*For the first month then £3 per month thereafter.
18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For more information contact help@thesun.co.uk
“It forced him to take responsibility for and take stock of his position.
“He had the insight to understand and to identify the need to remove himself from the source of pressure he was feeling, which was racing, in order to allow himself the space and time to address the underlying issue leading to this breach, which he identifies as his use of alcohol as a crutch.
“At home, he had the support particularly of his grandparents, with whom he has a close relationship, to be able to confront those issues. He has benefited from that support.
“That has allowed him to reset his relationship with alcohol, which now plays a much more peripheral part in his life.”
Whelan, who rode eight winners last season, is keen to reapply for his license “sooner rather than later.”
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.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 chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
