BHA looks to hair testing as another jockey is banned for cocaine use

After William Carson became the latest jockey to be banned for taking cocaine, the BHA has revealed it may introduce hair testing to tackle the problem of drug use.

Riders are currently subject to day-of-race urine testing and Carson tested positive for a metabolite of cocaine after providing a sample at Lingfield in March. He was handed a backdated ban of six months on Thursday.

His grandfather, legendary jockey Willie Carson, called for greater deterrents to stop jockeys turning to cocaine with Kieran Shoemark, Callum Rodriguez and Kevin Lundie all returning in the last 12 months from similar suspensions. Amateur rider Peter Bryan is serving a six-month sentence for a positive test this year.

Willie Carson calls for stronger drug deterrents after grandson's cocaine ban

The advantage of hair testing is that drug use can be detected up to three months afterwards.

Revealing plans to investigate adopting it as a potential extra method of testing, a BHA spokesman explained: "Bringing in standardised hair testing would have significant advantages, due to the more complete historical picture it can provide of substance use.

"This would not necessarily replace the current programme of urine and breath testing. Hair testing is something we are actively discussing as we look to constantly evolve our approach to drug use within the weighing room, alongside greater support and education across the industry.

"We will continue to work closely with the Professional Jockeys Association to ensure we have adequate and robust deterrents in place whilst ensuring the health, safety and welfare of our athletes is protected."

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app