Jockey Philip Prince hit with six-month ban after admitting to being ‘regular user of cocaine’

DRUG shame jockey Philip Prince has been hit with a six-month ban after admitting to being a ‘regular user of cocaine’.

The Flat rider, who has won almost £100,000 in his career, had 56 times the threshold for the Class A drug when being tested at Wolverhampton races last year.

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Prince is now in rehab after admitting using cocaine up to four times a week[/caption]

A British Horseracing Authority disciplinary panel heard his sample had a ‘concernigly high’ level of cocaine.

Prince admitted using the drug and said he took it ‘three to four times a week’.

Tomas Nolan, on behalf of the BHA, told a hearing: “He [Prince] stated that he used the drug as a pick-me-up, something which can lift his mood.

“He couldn’t recall when he started using but identified a party at Christmas in 2019 as a possible start point.”

Prince apologised for breaking drugs rules and is currently on a six-week rehab programme.

Rory Mac Neice, representing Prince, said: “He is now rebuilding his life and, in time, his career in horseracing, whatever that might look like.

“He does fully acknowledge that, quite appropriately, he will be subject to enhanced testing if he rides again, possibly for the entirety of his riding career.”