A professional jockey has been deemed unfit to hold a riding licence after he was caught drink driving at the renowned Appleby Horse Fair, with officials stating he "cannot be trusted".
A Pattern of Breaches
Flat jockey Nathan Evans, 28, who famously rode Hoofalong to victory in the 2016 Scottish Sprint Cup, had his licence withdrawn by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). This decision follows a series of transgressions. Evans was initially suspended for six months in 2020 after testing positive for cocaine. His licence was reinstated in April 2021 under strict conditions, including mandatory therapy sessions.
However, the BHA's Judicial Panel inquiry revealed that within a month, Evans had reportedly claimed it was "easy to get around the reinstatement tests". By May 2021, he was suspended again after a hair sample tested positive for cocaine, pending a full disciplinary hearing.
Failed Promises and a Drink Drive Conviction
After his licence expired, Evans reapplied in November 2024. During this process, he underwent a series of tests and told BHA officials in April 2025 about his drinking habits, stating, "I've cut that out pretty much". His application was approved in May 2025, conditional on quarterly meetings with an integrity officer and random hair testing.
Just 18 days later, Evans was stopped by police and found to be driving with excess alcohol. He pleaded guilty at South Cumbria Magistrates' Court in Barrow-in-Furness and received a 12-month driving ban. The BHA only learned of this conviction through press reports. Furthermore, a urine sample taken from Evans at Ascot in July showed the presence of alcohol.
Genetic Defence Rejected
During a subsequent Licensing Committee hearing, Evans suggested he was undergoing genetic testing for haemochromatosis, a liver condition that can affect alcohol metabolism. After several delays, his GP confirmed he was a carrier of a gene mutation but clarified it had no effect on his health and he did not suffer from the condition.
The BHA submitted that Evans had "continually demonstrated that he cannot, or will not, act in accordance with the rules" and that his word could not be relied upon. Evans, who had 25 rides last year, told the Committee he had quit drinking entirely since Ascot and would do anything to regain his licence.
The Final Verdict
The Committee delivered a firm verdict, stating: "Mr Evans has a problem with alcohol and until he addresses this problem and is prepared to be open and frank, he cannot be trusted to hold a licence." They determined he was no longer a suitable person to hold a licence and consequently withdrew it. This marks a significant fall from grace for the jockey once associated with a major sporting victory.
