Miles vows to make comeback after six months drugs ban
The rider was told at yesterday’s disciplinary panel hearing that no application for a rider’s licence would be considered until July 27 this year.
But despite choosing to keep a low profile since losing his job with leading Epsom trainer Terry Mills, Miles has told friends that he will look to start work again at a racing stables to get back into the routine before applying for a new licence soon.
The rider was banned after testing positive for cocaine, as part of random sampling at Salisbury in September last year.
A urine sample taken from the 23-year-old was found to contain benzoylecgonine, a diagnostic metabolite of the drug.
Miles rode a total of 35 winners last year, his biggest success coming in the Chester Vase aboard Red Lancer.
“I am pleased the hearing is over and I understand what a serious offence this is,” he said as he left.
“I would like to issue a public apology, in particular to my former trainer Terry Mills and also to the other yards that have supported me. And I’d like to thank my agent Mark Gilchrist and my family for everything that they have done for me.
“I now want to put this behind me and look forward to the future and I hope to apply for a job in racing as soon as possible.”
Miles, who chose not to be legally represented at yesterday’s hearing, was accompanied by Jockeys Association chief executive John Blake.
“This has been a terrible time for Robert and I know how very embarrassed and ashamed he has been about the whole thing,” said Blake.
“When he was first told about the failed test he was on the crest of a wave and then suddenly it all came crashing down around him.
“He told me that it was hard just to walk down the street in Epsom and he just didn’t want to talk to anyone.
“He had some circumstances in his personal life which led him to get involved in some things that he wishes he hadn’t now.
“But more than anything he wants to get back to the way of life he loves and the only way of life that he wants and that is to be a jockey.
“If that means that he has to go back to a yard and start again at the bottom so that he can get back into the swing of life in a stables then I think he’s prepared to do that.
“It will be hard for him, not least because he is only a few winners away from losing his claim. But I know how determined he is.”
Miles is the fourth rider to have tested positive for the drug since the Jockey Club’s testing policy was introduced in October 1994.
Apprentice Philip Shea, despite claiming mitigating circumstances as the victim of a spiked drink, was given a six-month ban in October 2000.
Dean Gallagher, having already served a six-month ban from the French authorities, was given an 18-month suspension for a second offence - this time in Britain - in November 2002.
While Francis Norton was the most recent jockey before today to be punished, having been handed a four-month ban in December 2003.
