OLIVER SUSPENDED - MAY MISS APACHE CAT RIDE

By Graham Potter | Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Just a day after trainer Greg Eurell pronounced the role of jockey Damian Oliver as being key to the chance of Apache Cat landing an international success at Sha Tin in Hong Kong on December 13, the top rider has been handed a one month suspension by Racing Victoria stewards which threatens to leave those plans in disarray.

Oliver supplied a urine sample on October 31 (Victoria Derby day) which contained traces of Ephedrine, a banned substance. Oliver’s suspension runs from midnight on November 25. He can resume riding on December 26.

Oliver says the problem stemmed from a herbal supplement he had been taking for the last nine years without encountering any issues.

Oliver did however plead guilty and, after taking his prior good record into account, the stewards handed down the decision imposing a one month suspension.

Oliver’s believes testing positive for something that has not previously caused a problem translates into a unique circumstance. Oliver also believes that the penalty is highly excessive and he confirmed he will be appealing the severity of the sentence.

A date for the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board to hear the appeal has yet to be announced.

The Apache Cat ride in Hong Kong hangs in the balance!

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