Horse Racing

Dawson Suspended for Two Years

The Referrals Committee of the Turf Club has suspended apprentice jockey Ray Dawson for two years after he tested positive to a banned substance on May 16.

Fifteen months of Dawson’s two year ban will be suspended after the Turf Club heard evidence his drink had been spiked at a party he attended on May 13.

Dawson’s urine sample, taken at Naas Racecourse, was found to contain   Methylenedioxymethamphetamine which is more commonlyknown as ecstasy.

Dawson testified that he discovered his drink had been spiked after submitting the positive sample.

Trainer Charles O’Brien, who has employed Dawson for over three years, gave evidence as a character witness as did Dr. Tom Barragry and addiction councilor Paul Campbell.

Campbell stated that Dawson was not somebody he regarded as having an addictive personality and believed that Dawson was anti-drugs.

As part of his punishment Dawson will now be subjected to random and repeated drug tests as well as pay the Turf Club a €1,300 fine.

Eighteen year old Dawson had shown great potential in his riding career thus far.

He has been involved in racing his entire life (his uncle is well-known bookmaker Luke McMahon) and has been riding since he was sixteen.

Dawson rode his first winner aboard the O’Brien-trained Polar Explorer at Tipperary and has subsequently rode winners at Naas, Cork and Leopardstown.