Drug shock as top jockey Kieran Shoemark suspended from duty after failing test
The Royal Ascot-winning rider has been banned from racing by the BHA while the matter is investigated further
EXCITING riding prospect Kieran Shoemark has been suspended from racing after failing a drugs test.
The jockey is alleged to have tested positive for cocaine and could face a lengthy ban from the sport.
Firmly in the up-and-coming category, Shoemark, who has ridden in the Queen's silks, has been suspended from riding since Wolverhampton late last month.
The jockey had made waves in recent weeks with wins for Godolphin and a Royal Ascot victory - but is set to face six months out of action if the usual penalty is enforced.
He only returned to riding in August after a spell on the sidelines following a horror fall, which left him with a punctured lung and six broken ribs.
Paul Struthers, chief executive of the Professional Jockeys Association, told the Mail: "Through the PJA, Kieran would like to sincerely apologise for his actions that led to the positive sample.
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"In particular, we would like to apologise to (trainer) Roger Charlton, the owners and team at Beckhampton Stables and his family. He accepts full responsibility for his mistakes and would also like to apologise to his colleagues and the wider sport.
"He is determined to face up to any issues he may have and with the support of his family and the PJA is already fully engaged with the support structures in place.
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"It is important to have the necessary support structures for those members who want and need help. We can condemn the behaviour without condemning the individual."
Shoemark, who almost captured the Apprentice title last year in season that saw him ride 65 winners, is widely acknowledged to be one of the most exciting young riders in the country.
He has been sidelined by the BHA until December 28 while the matter is investigated further.