JIM BYRNE HANDED FOUR WEEK SUSPENSION

By Graham Potter | Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Jockey Jim Byrne, who had been stood down from riding pending the outcome of an inquiry after returning a positive urine sample, was today handed a four week suspension for his indiscretion.

A sample taken from Byrne at the Doomben trials on February 14 was found to contain the banned substance didesmethylsibutramine, which is a metabolite of the anorectic, sibutramine.

After taking evidence from Byrne, stewards issued a charge under AR81A(1)(a) in that he ‘did present himself to ride at such barrier trials when a sample taken from him, upon analysis, was found to contain the banned substance.’

Byrne pleaded guilty to the charge and provided submissions regarding the pending penalty.

Stewards suspended Byrne’s license to ride in races for a period of four weeks. The suspension will run from 16 March 2012, the date Byrne was originally stood down from riding, and will expire at midnight on 12 April 2012. Byrne was advised of his right of appeal.

Jim Byrne