CHAMPION jockey Damien Oliver will know on Monday if he can ride star sprinter Apache Cat in the Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin on December 13, reports John Schell in the Sydney Morning Herald.His report adds: Oliver was suspended for one month on Monday after pleading guilty to a charge of returning a positive sample to a substance that contained traces of the prohibited drug ephedrine. He said on Monday he believed the positive test was the result of his use of a herbal supplement which he has be
CHAMPION jockey Damien Oliver will know on Monday if he can ride star sprinter Apache Cat in the Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin on December 13, reports John Schell in the Sydney Morning Herald.
His report adds: Oliver was suspended for one month on Monday after pleading guilty to a charge of returning a positive sample to a substance that contained traces of the prohibited drug ephedrine. He said on Monday he believed the positive test was the result of his use of a herbal supplement which he has been using since 2000 without previous issue. Ephedrine can be used as an appetite suppressant.
The Victorian Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board will hear Oliver's appeal against the severity of his ban on Monday.
The ride on the Greg Eurell-trained Apache Cat will be held for him for the $HK12 million ($1.68m) Hong Kong Sprint pending the result of the appeal. ''Damien has to get through his appeal first and we will see what happens with that before we worry about having to look for another rider,'' Eurell said yesterday.
Eurell confirmed Apache Cat would travel to Hong Kong early next week for the Hong Kong Sprint, in which he finished third to Inspiration last year. Apache Cat will be joined in this year's race by fellow Australian sprinters All Silent and Scenic Blast.