Evans Banned Six Months for Cocaine Positive

Jockey Nathan Evans was banned for six months at a disciplinary panel hearing Nov. 27 after testing positive for metabolites of cocaine in the summer.

The jockey admitted the offense and told the British Horseracing Authority he had taken the drug two days before failing an Aug. 20 test at York. In his words, it was an act of "silliness" at a time when he was drinking "quite a lot" because "things hadn't been going my way."

Evans, 23, who has not ridden since the positive test came to light, was represented at the hearing by Rory Mac Neice, who said: "Mr. Evans accepts that he is in breach. He has made full admissions, he did so at the first opportunity. 

"The background behind the commission of this offense is, I am afraid, all too familiar. It speaks to the pressures of riders, the isolation of riders, the fact that ultimately—almost uniquely—jockeys are engaged in a profession where they lose in nearly everything they do.

"Even the very best jockeys only win 20-25% of the races they ride in. The vast majority of riders have a winning percentage in single digits. It is a tough way to earn a living. It is an isolating way to earn a living. It is not a team game."

Evans, who has been receiving support from the Professional Jockeys Association and working with Sporting Chance on alcohol issues, has had his penalty backdated to the day he was first stood down.

At a separate disciplinary panel hearing Friday, former jockey Ryan While was banned for two years after failing to give a sample last year and then misleading officials investigating the situation.

While had been sent home from Bath last July due to dehydration, failing to produce a sample as had been agreed. Having been informed he needed to return to the course, While stated his vehicle had broken down.

Following a lengthy investigation—which was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic—it emerged his vehicle did not break down, and While had misled BHA officials for a number of months and disclosed a false invoice from a mechanic. The jockey also failed to comply with a mobile phone production order sent by the BHA.

While has not ridden since the incident last summer and has no plans to return to race riding, having found new employment restoring cars.