Levi Williams banned from riding after testing positive for cocaine and cannabis

Jockey Levi Williams has been suspended from riding for six months after testing positive for cannabis and cocaine at Wolverhampton in January.

Williams, 22, admitted the breach at a disciplinary panel hearing on Thursday saying he "was just stupid" and did not think of the consequences of his actions. He has since sought help from the Professional Jockeys Association and Sporting Chance charity.

Williams, who has ridden nine winners, will be able to reapply for his licence on August 4 having been stood down from riding since he was informed of his positive test on February 5.

Breeders' Cup meeting comes to ITV Racing

ITV Racing announced a welcome new addition to their broadcasting calendar with full coverage of the Breeders' Cup meeting this year.

The network will be showing all 14 of the races from Del Mar racecourse on the November 5 and 6 with coverage split between ITV and ITV4.

Breeders’ Cup President and CEO Drew Fleming said: "The Breeders’ Cup World Championships is a truly international event and fans around the world deserve in-depth coverage of the world’s most talented horses, jockeys, and trainers.

"ITV is a wonderful partner and we look forward to working with them to provide coverage of this world-class event for racing fans in the UK."

Sky Sport Racing will continue their regular live coverage of the Breeders' Cup meeting in addition to ITV's broadcast.

Ascot senior vet Svend Kold retires after 30 years in role

A familiar face is missing from Royal Ascot this year following the news that Dr Svend Kold has retired as senior veterinary surgeon for the racecourse.

Kold has also had to retire from general practice for medical reasons but intends to continue with the legal consultancy side of his business.

Ascot's clerk of the course Chris Stickels said: "We will really miss Svend's expertise and professionalism. He has been part of the veterinary team at Ascot racecourse for 35 years and for the last 30 years has been the senior veterinary surgeon here.

"He was a pleasure to work with, always very good natured, and he loved working at Ascot, particularly the royal meeting. He is an expert in his field and he and his skills and company will be greatly missed. We wish him well."

Four owners permitted from Monday in Ireland

Horse Racing Ireland have announced that, as of Monday, June 21, four owners will be permitted to attend a race meeting when their horse runs.

Attendees need to follow government and HSE guidelines are invited to register here.

Owners made a welcome return to Irish racecourses on Monday, June 7. Prior to that, owners were last present on Irish courses in September, and limited to two per runner.

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