Havlin to ask BHA to end suspension after more than six months on sidelines

Robert Havlin will ask the BHA on Tuesday disciplinary panel not to reciprocate the remainder of a six-month ban incurred in France over a failed drugs test, as he bids to return to the saddle for the first time since January.

The jockey remains unable to ride in France or Britain due to a failed drugs test at Saint-Cloud last October.

Although a urine sample returned positive for several banned substances, including cocaine, Havlin is adamant the results were due to contamination.

"Obviously I'm hoping the BHA will cut the ban short, but I've learned over the last six months not to expect anything," said Havlin on Friday.

"I've been stood down medically since January and haven't been able to ride since. That means I've already served a long time out of the saddle."

Although Havlin did not contest the presence of three banned substances contained in medication he was taking for a back injury, he believed he had observed the appropriate delay before riding.

Regarding the traces of cocaine that were present in the sample, Havlin's team argued the absence of any metabolites of cocaine in a subsequent hair sample, which the jockey himself commissioned, was proof the drug had not been actively consumed.

Should Havlin fail in his application to the BHA, he will have to continue serving the six-month ban imposed by France Galop, which is due to expire on October 4.

Expressing thanks for the support he has received, Havlin added: "Paul Struthers and the whole PJA team have been very helpful, as have [solicitor] Rory Mac Neice, John Gosden and Rachel Hood. I'm grateful for what they've done and hoping for a successful outcome."