Jockey Gearóid Brouder hit with four-year ban for cocaine use

Jockey and trainer Gearóid Brouder has been banned from riding for four years after testing positive for cocaine, with a provision it may be suspended after 12 months should he engage in rehabilitation steps.

Brouder was tested following racing at Gowran Park on 10 May – the meeting in which he received a 21-day ban for his ride on Ellatt. All jockeys had been tested on the day.

The jockey accepted the result of the 'A' sample of the test.

The ban will begin Friday.

A one-year training ban as a result of irregularities arising from stable inspections last September had the last six months suspended, however he has not resumed his training licence despite being able to do so last March.

During the hearing Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) chief medical officer Doctor Jennifer Pugh set out the details of her previous dealings with Brouder.

He said he would engage with the support systems in place in the future in an attempt to resume his career at the earliest opportunity.

The IHRB say the four-year sanction imposed is reflective of their "zero tolerance" approach related to such offences.

However it was decided to allow the jockey a chance to potentially regain a functioning licence in 2024.

The IRHB Referrals Committee statement read: "We have decided that we should stay our hand for the moment and give Mr Brouder an opportunity to apply to this Committee in 12 months’ time for a deferral of the balance of the suspension applicable at that time.

"This is on the strict understanding that previous deficiencies in his approach to rehabilitation will not be repeated, and that the Committee will scrutinise closely Dr Pugh’s progress report. We are effectively placing the matter with Dr Pugh over the next year, and it is for her