Talented flat jockey Nathan Evans faces a ban after tested positive for a banned substance that is thought to be cocaine.
Evans failed a drugs test after riding at York in August and has not been seen on a racecourse since the result became public knowledge, with him supposed to be riding at Beverley just a few days later.
(Credit Racing Post) Professional Jockeys Association chief executive Paul Struthers said: "Nathan has been informed by the BHA that he tested positive for a prohibited substance and was suspended with immediate effect as a result.
"Nathan is disappointed with himself for his mistake and is deeply sorry for his lapse of judgement. He has informed and apologised personally to those who have supported his career thus far.
"He was heavily backed that day!" 😀@WestwoodLee enjoys a wager and happily recalls the Stewards' Cup success of Hoof It in one of the biggest sprint handicaps of the year at @Goodwood_Races
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"He has not asked for the B sample to be tested and is engaging with the PJA and BHA on the process that now follows."
The young rider follows in the footsteps of other riders that have been banned for taking prohibited substances, including William Carson, Kieran Shoemark, Callum Rodriguez and Kevin Lundie.
The Northern Irish rider moved to Britain to join Mick Easterby's yard and has been there ever since, riding his first winner in England back in 2015 at Thirsk on board Among Angels.
The 23 year old has ridden more that 150 winners in Britain during his career, with his best season coming as an apprentice in 2016 when landing 49 victories in the campaign.
His best wins to date have been Hoofalong in the Scottish Sprint Cup at Musselburgh and Hoof It in the Stewards' Sprint Cup Stakes at Goodwood.