Racing: Gallagher still has support of top owner

Dean Gallagher yesterday received the most crucial expression of support as he tries to rebuild his life after announcing on Thursday that he had recently failed a drugs test for cocaine. Paul Green, one of the biggest owners in National Hunt racing and a man who has already assisted Gallagher through one period of drugs rehabilitation, has declared that he will again help the jockey rebuild a career in racing.

Gallagher has been the retained rider to the Jersey-based businessman and they shared their biggest success when Hors La Loi III won this year's Champion Hurdle.

Green, who has horses with several trainers, including James Fanshawe, Paul Webber, Jonjo O'Neill and Alan King, said: "I was so very sad to hear Dean's news. He had made such a tremendous effort to get back to the top and his future looked so promising. As he has said, 'Life is not always as easy as it often appears'.

"His part in the Hors La Loi III revival should not be underestimated. While it has been a great team effort, Dean's contribution has been outstanding. Not only is he an excellent exponent of his profession on the racecourse but he also contributes so much when riding work and in race-planning.

"At Dean's age [34] the ban that he is likely to receive may mean that this is the end of his riding career. I am standing by him and will be trying to help him rebuild a career in racing."

Green also revealed that he is consulting Gallagher as to who will ride his horses in future. "Dean and I have discussed riding arrangements for my horses this season and an announcement will be made shortly." he added.

* Michael Kinane went one ahead of Johnny Murtagh in the Irish jockeys' championship with a winner at Clonmel yesterday. The 11-times champion took his tally for the season to 75 while Murtagh drew a blank. Kinane had drawn level on Thursday with a double at the Curragh and is now in the driving seat with two days of the season left. There are just three Flat races on the card at Thurles next Thursday and eight at Leopardstown tomorrow week.