Jockey cops huge ban for positive cocaine test as ‘sad episode’ throws career into chaos
JOCKEY Alan Doyle has been banned for six months after testing positive for cocaine.
The 30-year-old admitted taking the Class A drug ‘three or four times’ between March 23 and April 8 this year.
A hair sample Doyle returned tested positive and he will now enter rehab.
Doyle previously told Sun Racing of his difficulties with substance abuse.
Speaking exclusively, he said he would have a large glass of wine and a line of cocaine for breakfast at 6am.
Doyle had been sober but relapsed after moving to Middleham having been with Grand National-winning trainer Lucinda Russell in Scotland.
Rory Mac Neice, representing Doyle in a BHA hearing, said: “His environment, in retrospect, has been fundamental to his wellbeing.
“He had been working for trainer Lucinda Russell for a team that was caring, supportive and provided a collegiate environment.
“It was in a rural location set away from any temptation – there were no triggers and he felt he thrived there.
“After a relationship breakdown last year he went to work in Middleham, a place with a relatively large population of young people. He referred to it as something of a party environment with many triggers in respect to his previous relationship with alcohol.
“Over an extended period when he knew he would not be riding, he took cocaine.
“He quickly recognised he had relapsed and reconnected with his AA sponsor. He was unwell and he recognised that.
“This is a sad episode of a young man who bravely fought a difficult relationship with alcohol and cocaine and succumbed on one occasion.
“He unreservedly apologises and he would like the opportunity to return. He hopes the compassionate side of racing will help him make good in the future.”
Doyle is set to begin a 28-day stint in Tony Adams’ Sporting Chance clinic on Monday.
Doyle told Sun Racing how his addiction had previously got so bad he turned all the mirrors around in his home so he wouldn’t have to look at himself.
The jockey’s battle with drink and drugs took root in 2009.
His first two rides as a 16-year-old on the Flat in Ireland were both winners, but the loss of some close family members and friends that summer hit him hard.
Doyle spent the next ten years running from his problems with a string of jobs on either side of the Irish Sea.
But the Covid lockdown hit him hard.
He said: “During the first lockdown my addiction got really bad. I was using alcohol and cocaine on a daily basis.
“The first thing I’d do was drink wine and snort a line of coke by 5.30am, 6am at the latest. I was so addicted my body wouldn’t function without them.”