In September 2002 the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) reported that the Jockey Francis Norton had tested positive for the prohibited substance Cocaine. Hereafter in December 2003 he was heard for the BHA Judicial Panel.
The Jockey explained that the positive test result was possibly caused by environmental contamination from bank notes; or the unknowingly consumption of Coca-Tea suplied to him by a friend.
The Panel finds that a prohibited substance has been established in the Jockey's sample and accordingly that he committed a violation of the Rules of Racing. The Panel rejected the Jockey's explanations and deemed that he had used drugs.
Therefore the BHA Judicial Panel decides on 11 December 2003 to withdraw the Jockey's licence from 19 December 2003 until 19 April 2004.
