The Pat Smullen Column: Time To Step Up Jockey Drug Testing

[Wandering Eyes]

Unfortunately there has been another positive test for cocaine in the jockey ranks. While I fully appreciate that people can make mistakes and deserve a second chance, it is becoming more and more common and this is quite concerning.

I understand as much as anybody the pressures of the job. Whether it is a young rider trying to make it and get going, and the pressures associated with that, or if you are fortunate enough to end up in a situation where you get a good job and are riding winners, there’s pressure to keep on delivering. We all understand the stress involved with this profession but the onus is on the rider not to go down that road.

I think with most of those who have been caught it is more a case of a lifestyle choice on a night out, dabbling with drugs on occasion, but if you want to be a professional jockey, the reality is that you are going to get caught if you do this.

I would like to see the testing increased, and I agree with Willie Carson, who spoke out very personally in the case of his grandson, but he was also speaking from the position of a long and successful career as a jockey. In my time I would certainly not have liked to ride alongside someone under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It’s a dangerous enough job as it is and there are fine margins when it comes to making a mistake.

The younger generation needs to make the right choice. To be a successful jockey you have to treat the job with respect and seriousness. I never thought I’d say this but it has come to the point that I don’t have sympathy for the people who get caught because they have a choice and they are making the wrong choice.

I don’t buy into the idea of using drugs in regard to weight issues. Nowadays we have all the nutritional advice, personal trainers—everything that you could possibly want or need to try to control your weight. And again, I’m not making light of it, it is a very difficult life, but every possible help that you could ask for is there now, so again it’s down to choice: choose to go down the healthy route and not the route of taking drugs to try to suppress hunger. Obviously it’s not doing jockeys any good but it will also ruin careers because it’s only the odd case that can bounce back and be successful again after serving a drugs ban.

I don’t want to sound like a hypocrite because I like a night out better than anybody and I enjoyed having a drink and celebrating when we won a race. Riders do need to enjoy themselves and let off steam, I am fully aware of that, but there is a line that you cannot cross and unfortunately if you choose to do that you will pay the consequences.

I think after so many positive tests the Turf Club and the BHA will really ramp up the testing, and rightly so. Hopefully that will deter any young riders from even thinking about it.

It would be good to have some more education and guidance from the Turf Club and the BHA on this subject, and maybe from someone like myself who is retired and would gladly give the advice to young riders as to the pitfalls they may encounter. The message has to be driven home to all riders that it is unacceptable, and that if you do that you are running the risk of ruining your career, putting yourself at risk, as well as other riders and horses. You are riding for a number of people—obviously the owner for a start, then the trainer and all the racing staff.

Jockeys are supposed to be athletes and I think that has to be the mentality that is adopted. You should think and act like an athlete, and that entails being very dedicated to your job.

 

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