In September 2020 the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) reported that the Jockey Kevin Lundie tested positive for the prohibited substance Cocaine.
Previously in July 2019 the Jockey's license was suspended for 6 months by the BHA after he tested positive for the prohibited substance Cocaine.
After notification a provisional suspension was ordered while there were delays for months in the investigations attributed to the Jockey. It appeared he had gone abroad to work in Dubai and until March 2021 he failed to attend the scheduled online interviews with the BHA. Ultimately the Jockey was heard for the BHA Judicial Panel in August 2021.
The BHA contended that the Jockey again had been tested positive for Cocaine and prior had failed to attend the interviews with the BHA. It requested the Panel to impose a sanction of 2 years for the Jockey's second violation of the Racing Rules.
After his first suspension the Jockey admitted that he had committed a second violation. He testified that 4 days before the race at a party he had consumed a lot of alcohol and apparently had used Cocaine. Due to his alcohol problem he accepted a 6 month contract in Dubai to stay sober. He acknowledged and explained his failure to timely respond and to attend the interviews with the BHA.
The Panel accepts that the Jockey not intentionally had avoided the interviews with the BHA, yet that he had caused substantial delays in the proceedings. Further the Panel recommends that the Jockey seek professional advice and assistance for his problems.
Therefore the BHA Judicial Panel decides on 26 Augtust 2021 for the suspension of the Jockey's license for 2 years, starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 16 September 2020 until 15 September 2022.
