Frankie Dettori’s “positive test” announcement delayed until Wednesday

By Simon Jackson, London24’s horse racing correspondent
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
8:41 AM

Horse Talk: Top horse-racing tips and the latest news

Frankie Dettori must wait to hear the outcome of his “positive test” for a banned substance following news that the French authorities will not make an announcement until Wednesday.

The French racing authority France Galop had been expected to announce today (Tuesday) what action to take after a medical committee that met in France last week to examine the file, revealed their intention to hand over the findings to the stewards.

Their resolution to refer the matter to the stewards boosted the possibility of a lengthy ban for Dettori who tested positive to a banned substance at Longchamp in September. This led to the three-time champion jockey’s decision to forgo all rides until the French racing authorities announced their final decision.

Dettori said last week in a statement through his solicitor Christopher Stewart-Moore: “Following today’s announcement by France Galop setting out the conclusions of their medical committee, Frankie Dettori would like to say that he accepts their conclusions without reservation.

“He is grateful to the medical committee for their time and in particular for listening to his explanation of his position.

“As to the suspension of his licence in France, this is something he fully anticipated and he has not in any event ridden since November 6, when he honoured a pre-existing commitment to ride in the Melbourne Cup.

“He can now confirm that until the matter is resolved by the stewards of France Galop at a hearing within the next fortnight he will not be riding again anywhere.

“Once the stewards of France Galop make their decision he will make a full statement but is unable to do so until such time as that final decision is announced.”