Donoghue handed six-month suspension following failed drugs test

Apprentice Tom Donoghue was handed a six-month suspension by the BHA's disciplinary panel on Thursday after testing positive for cocaine.

He has not ridden since March, when a urine sample he gave at Southwell was found to contain benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.

His licence was withdrawn retrospectively, dating back to April 7, but he will need to give the chief medical adviser at least four weeks' notice when he intends to reapply for it.

Donoghue, who has yet to ride a winner from eight rides, must also make himself available in Great Britain during that period for contact by random testers and counsellors.

Trainer Richard Guest was earlier fined £1,000 as his runner Bollihope tested positive for a prohibited substance after winning at Newcastle last November. The horse was disqualified.

Bollihope (left, Connor Beasley) was disqualified after winning at Newcastle last NovemberCredit: John Grossick 07710461723

The substance found was Minoxidil, a drug used to lower blood pressure. It has no obvious use in horses but when applied to the human scalp it may stimulate hair growth and it is used in the treatment of alopecia.

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