Jockey Ger Fox who was suspended from riding for two years after he tested positive for cocaine at a meeting in Galway last October, has had the suspension lifted and is free to ride from 30th May (next Wednesday).

The Turf Club Referrals Committee hearing last Friday, reviewed the suspension and allowed him to return to race riding on the condition that he submit to any in or out of competition testing required by the IHRB for the remaining 18 months of the suspension period.

Under the terms of the original suspension where he and two other jockeys were found in breach of Rule 277(i)., it was reviewed in five and a half months during which time Fox was required to submit to a random testing programme with Dr. Adrian McGoldrick.

At the hearing, a letter received from Fox’s employer; Gavin Cromwell, confirmed that Fox had been working as an assistant trainer while his jockey’s licence had been suspended and that he had his full support.

In evidence, Dr. McGoldrick confirmed that Ger Fox had fully complied with all requests for random tests and all samples had tested negative for any prohibited substances.

Ger Fox said that he deeply regretted the actions which had led to the adverse analytical finding and the breach of the rules of racing. He said he had learned from the experience and was eager to return to race riding.

Having heard the evidence, the Referrals Committee, Justice Tony Hunt (chair), Justice Leonie Reynolds and Laurence McFerran, decided to lift the suspension on Fox's licence, on the condition that Fox submit to any in or out of competition testing required by the IHRB for the remaining 18 months of the suspension period.

Any further breaches of rules in relation to anti-doping within 18 months from 30th May 2018; would cause the suspended period of 18 months sanction to be reactivated in addition to any further sanctions which may be imposed in respect of the further offences.

Fox, the leading point-to-point jockey rider Roger Quinlan, and Danny Benson were all handed two-year bans, each with a portion suspended, last November after all three tested positive for cocaine at a meeting in Galway in October.

Ger Fox was represented by Andrew Coonan, Solicitor, Coonan Cawley Solicitors, Wolfe Tone House,

Naas Town Centre, Naas, Co. Kildare.

The case was presented by Cliodhna Guy, Head of Legal, Compliance & Licensing.