Gallagher lodges appeal over ban

Dean Gallagher recognises he has a drug problem and needs treatment, Louis Romanet, director-general of the French racing authority, France-Galop, said yesterday.

Dean Gallagher recognises he has a drug problem and needs treatment, Louis Romanet, director-general of the French racing authority, France-Galop, said yesterday.

The jockey has lodged an appeal against a six-month worldwide riding ban imposed by France-Galop.

The rider was suspended until 31 December after testing positive to cocaine on three separate occasions in France this spring.

Gallagher has been riding frequently in France since being retained by leading owner Paul Green, for whom he finished second to Istabraq on Hors La Loi III in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

"Gallagher's is a sad case. He needs help and he needs to be cured," Romanet added.

John Maxse, the Jockey Club's press officer, added: "We've never had any cases of jockeys testing positive to cocaine in this country."