Payne Suspended Four Weeks

Jockey Michelle Payne has been suspended four weeks after testing positive for a banned substance, for which she accepted “full responsibility.” Payne, most famous for her 2015 G1 Melbourne Cup win aboard Prince Of Penzance (NZ) (Pentire {GB}) and who rode Kaspersky (Ire) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}) to a fifth-place finish in last week's G1 Queen Anne S. at Royal Ascot, had tested positive for a prohibited appetite suppressant at Swan Hill Racecourse on June 11. It was said at an inquiry on Thursday that Payne had been prescribed Phentermine to help treat gastrointestinal symptoms resulting from a bad fall last May that resulted in pancreatic surgery.

Payne said in a statement, “I would like to make it clear that I take full responsibility for what has happened. The onus is 100% with me as a rider to know what I am taking and the rules around it, regardless of whether it has been prescribed to me or not. I regret not seeking more guidance, and making certain that any treatment would lead to a breach of the rules and why we are here–I wasn't thorough and that is completely my fault. My sincere apologies to everyone that this has happened in the manner that it has. I accept the stewards' decision and appreciate its keeping with other penalties for riders in breach of this rule. Going forward, I'm very much looking forward to finding a solution in working with my surgeon. I look forward to working hard and being in great shape on my return to racing.”