Promising apprentice jockey Molly Gunn has been handed a six-month suspension after testing positive for cocaine. The 26-year-old, who is based with Worcestershire trainer Tony Carroll, has ridden 22 winners since her debut in 2021.
Positive Test and Interim Suspension
Gunn received an interim suspension from the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) in December last year after a urine sample provided following a ride at Wolverhampton was found to contain benzoylecgonine, the major metabolite of cocaine, at a level of 410 ng/mL.
At a disciplinary hearing on Thursday, Gunn accepted she was in breach of the rules, as it is a strict liability offence, and also accepted the proposed sentence.
Cross-Contamination Claim
Catherine Daly, representing the BHA, stated that Gunn was interviewed in January, during which she alleged that the positive sample resulted from cross-contamination by a third party but accepted the positive finding. Daly added: “Cocaine and its metabolites are confirmed at 150 ng/mL. That level is set to ensure as best as possible that accidental environmental interaction with cocaine does not record positive results. Therefore any result above that 150ng/mL can be interpreted as being consistent with the use of cocaine. The BHA notes that the result of Miss Gunn’s sample is in my submission considerably above the aforementioned confirmation cut-off.”
Gunn’s lawyer, Harry Stewart-Moore, said: “Because Miss Gunn accepts that the urine test that she took on December 13 established the presence of the relevant banned substance in her body she does therefore accept she must be in breach.” He emphasised: “I can’t over-emphasise the point which is that Miss Gunn denies in the strongest possible terms that she has ever taken cocaine or any other illicit substance or ever purposefully ingested cocaine or any other illicit substance. As the BHA has referred to, her firm belief as explained in interview is that she was cross-contaminated by a third party and that this cross-contamination is the cause of this adverse analytical finding.”
Panel Decision
After hearing Gunn’s explanation in private, panel chair Philippa Charles said: “Further evidence has been heard today about the circumstances in which the positive test was returned. There is not sufficient evidence before the panel to form a view on balance of probabilities as to how the cross-contamination occurred and we don’t need to do so for the purposes of today’s hearing so we therefore don’t make any finding.” She imposed a six-month suspension from the date the interim suspension began on December 23.
The hearing was informed that Gunn is recovering from an injury and is unlikely to be able to resume riding until after the completion of the suspension.
