Norton to face Jockey Club over positive test

Jockey Francis Norton is facing a Jockey Club hearing after it was confirmed he tested positive for a metabolite of cocaine.

Norton was tested at home by a team from UK Sport last year and his positive result was revealed before Christmas.

Jockey Club spokesman John Maxse said: “I can confirm we are trying to set up a disciplinary hearing to consider the findings of tests taken on a urine sample provided by Francis Norton, which contained a prohibited substance, a metabolite of cocaine.”

Norton could be banned for up to six months under Jockey Club rules as this is his first offence.

Apprentice Philip Shea was the first jockey to test positive for the drug in July 2000.

Despite claiming he was the victim of a spiked drink, Shea was handed a six-month suspension.

Dean Gallagher was banned for 18 months last November after admitting a second failed test for cocaine. He had previously been suspended for six months by the French racing authorities for his first offence.