Instant drug testing planned as Prince is latest rider to be banned for cocaine

A new pilot scheme testing saliva which provides instant results for prohibited substances is set to be rolled out by the BHA for use on jockeys after Philip Prince became the latest rider to be banned for failing a drugs test for cocaine.

Prince was found to be 56 times over the permitted threshold for a metabolite of cocaine when a urine sample collected before he rode at Wolverhampton last year was analysed. His licence was withdrawn for six months by the disciplinary panel on Thursday.

In a statement released through the Professional Jockeys Association, Prince, who has entered the Steps Together drug rehabilitation programme, apologised to “everyone I let down and to the wider sport” and outlined his determination to turn his life around.

Prince, who overcame the challenge of being born with one ear and a jaw defect to become a professional rider, is the latest jockey to test positive for cocaine, with enhanced testing and penalties called for by PJA chief executive Paul Struthers last year as a means of reducing use of the drug.

The introduction in the spring of saliva testing for the first time by a major sport in Britain will ensure any rider testing positive for a prohibited substance will be stood down for the day, similar to failed breathalyser tests for alcohol, with subsequent blood and urine tests taken for further investigative or disciplinary purposes.

Brant Dunshea: pilot scheme an 'exciting and innovative proposal'

BHA chief regulatory officer Brant Dunshea said: “This is an exciting and innovative proposal which could have a huge impact on our ability to protect the sport against individuals who are competing while under the influence of prohibited substances. We are pleased to be working with the PJA on its development.

“We hope that the use of on-the-day screening, alongside increased testing capacity, will provide greater deterrent to potential offenders and greater reassurance to riders that they are competing in a safe environment, should the pilot be successful.”

Prince produced a urine sample before riding Itmakesyouthink to finish fifth in a 7f handicap at Wolverhampton on November 16 for his employer Mark Loughnane. Testing found 8,450ng/ml of benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, in the sample, with the BHA setting a threshold of 150ng/ml.

The level was described as “concerningly high” by the BHA at the disciplinary panel hearing on Thursday, where it was also revealed that Prince had been using cocaine three or four times a week as a “pick me up” to “help lift his mood” since around late 2019.

Prince had never previously tested positive for any banned substances, including in his most recent test before Wolverhampton in July last year. The panel was told of his good character by Loughnane, who praised him in a written submission for his work ethic and mentoring of younger members of staff.

Prince said: “I would like to start by apologising to everyone I let down and to the wider sport and also to thank everyone that has helped me through this difficult time.

“I am still at Steps Together and without this place I would still be in active addiction. I am now looking forward to my future back in racing and free from addiction and being me again. I am finally back in a positive frame of mind and looking forward to the future, which is looking much brighter for me personally than it was not so long ago.”

The BHA and PJA outlined how education and support would sit alongside bolstered testing, with Struthers hoping an environment of openness can drive down drug use.

Paul Struthers: 'addiction of any sort is a terrible thing'Credit: Edward Whitaker

He said: “Addiction of any sort is a terrible thing and we are there to support any of our members who need it. It is equally important that we do everything we can to protect all our members.

“We therefore need a system that discourages poor decision making in the first place, reduces the chance of addiction developing and encourages people to come forward for support at an earlier stage.

“One aspect of such a system is more testing and it is for this reason that the PJA has been calling for more testing of jockeys for several years. We’ve been working closely with the BHA on the proposed pilot of saliva testing and very much welcome it.“

Prince was found in breach of rule (K) 49 with his six-month ban backdated to November 20, 2020 by the disciplinary panel – the date his licence was initially suspended – with the rider unable to reapply to ride until May 19.

Prince is likely to be subjected to enhanced testing in and out of competition for up to five years as part of any reapplication for his licence.

David Fish, disciplinary panel chair, praised Prince for his frankness and wished him well in his recovery. He said: "We are impressed with the full and frank admission that Mr Prince made during his interview and the courage he showed to make this damaging submission. The panel hopes [the rehabilitation] helps him now and with his future career."

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