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Jockey Tommy Dowson 'faces a potential six-month ban'

Lottie Casas December 13, 2023

Grand National jockey Tommy Dowson, 27, ‘faces a potential six-month ban’ from horse racing after ‘allegedly testing positive for cocaine – with a hearing set to be held in London’

  • The talented jump jockey faces a potential six-month ban from horse racing
  • Tommy Dowson allegedly tested positive for cocaine during a routine drugs test
  • A disciplinary hearing to decide any punishment is set to take place in London

Grand National jockey Tommy Dowson could be set for a six month ban from horse racing after allegedly testing positive for cocaine during a routine drug test, according to reports.

The 27-year-old hasn’t ridden since October 3 at Sedgefield when he finished second onboard Tommy Time, and is set for a disciplinary hearing.

Dowson is based with North Yorkshire trainer Philip Kirby and if found guilty at his hearing could be banned from the sport for up to six months.

The disciplinary will take place at the BHA headquarters in London, with the imposed ban if found guilty set to be backdated.

His positive sample for cocaine was believed to have been recorded during a routine on-course drug testing process that took place in the two-weeks building up to his most recent ride.

Grand National jockey Tommy Dowson could be set for a six month ban from horse racing

The jockey’s agent, John Neilson, told The Sun that they couldn’t comment on the ongoing investigation.

Neilson said: ‘I can’t say anything about it until he has his disciplinary hearing, which we are hoping will be soon.’ 

Dowson broke into the Grand National last year but was unable to finish the race after his horse Top Ville Ben pulled up with three fences to go.

He has so far recorded 148 winners and enjoyed a celebrated successful riding spell between 2018/19 when Dowson won Grade 2 races on Nautical Nitwit and Lady Buttons.

Jockeys are regularly subjected to drug and alcohol testing with the BHA’s strategies largely focussed on detecting any substance which is performance impairing.

In September, flat rider Levi Williams was hit with an 18 month ban after taking cocaine three days before a race. 

The 27-year-old hasn’t ridden since October 3 at Sedgefield when he finished second onboard Tommy Time and is set for a disciplinary hearing

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