Dettori sweats on verdict after hearing into positive drug test
JOCKEY Frankie Dettori may have to wait until next month to learn whether he faces a six-month ban for failing a drug test at a meeting in France earlier this year.
Dettori gave evidence yesterday by telephone at a hearing convened by French horse racing chiefs into his positive test for a non-performance enhancing substance.
A further hearing likely to take place in two weeks’ time is necessary if France Galop deem the case to be a disciplinary matter. A suspension of six months from competing in France – likely to be reciprocated by racing bodies worldwide – is the most likely outcome if the 41-year-old is found guilty.
Dettori, the sport’s most high-profile jockey of the last 20 years, returned the positive test at Longchamp on 16 September. The British-based Italian had four rides on a day of trials for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe the following month.
Dettori split with stable Godolphin last month after 18 years.