Jockey Robert Havlin, who was banned by French stewards for six months after returning a positive drug test when riding at Saint-Cloud on Oct. 30, has failed in his appeal against the ban. Havlin is based in Newmarket, and it is expected France Galop will request the British Horseracing Authority reciprocate the ban. The BHA confirmed on Thursday afternoon it had been informed by France Galop of the unsuccessful appeal, but that Havlin had the right to apply for the suspension not to be reciprocated.
Havlin has strongly refuted the positive, describing it at the time the ban was announced as an “outrageous miscarriage of justice” that he expected to be overturned.
BHA spokesman Robin Mounsey said, “The BHA has been informed of the decision by France Galop to suspend Mr Havlin from riding in races for six months. Under the international agreement and the rules, this penalty will be reciprocated when it comes into effect. However, the individual involved has the right to lodge an application to the BHA for the penalty not to be reciprocated. Such an application would be considered by the Disciplinary Panel.”
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