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JUMP jockey Dylan Robinson will not ride this year following a positive drugs test.
From Waterford city, the 23-year-old tested positive for a metabolite of cocaine at Galway last October and has not ridden in a race this year. His case was initially heard in January but was adjourned until last Tuesday. He has been given a three-year ban but the Referrals Committee will consider suspending the remainder of the penalty towards the end of 2019.
The vast majority of Robinson’s rides last year were provided by trainer Henry de Bromhead. He rode that trainer’s Ornua to win a Grade 3 novice chase at Roscommon on October 1st, just a week before failing the drugs test at Galway.
At this week’s hearing the IHRB medical officer Dr Jennifer Pugh said her interactions with Robinson since the adjourned hearing were “very positive”. The jockey, who says he cannot recall taking any prohibited substance, expressed “great remorse” over the positive test and said he would cooperate fully with whatever requirements the Committee laid down.
Five jockeys tested positive for cocaine metabolites last year, from a total of 254 tests. The IHRB has organised two anti-doping talks for jockeys, the first of which takes place next Tuesday (March 5th) at 7pm in the Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge, Co Kildare. The second is on March 20th in the Horse and Jockey Hotel, Co Tipperary. Attendance at one of the seminars, is mandatory for apprentices and claiming professionals. Qualified riders and professionals are strongly encouraged to attend.
LOTS OF CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL NEWS IN THE IRISH FIELD THIS WEEKEND
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