An amateur jockey has been suspended for six months following a positive cocaine test, with the rider acknowledging deliberate consumption of the banned substance.
Sam Lee, aged 27, faced a British Horseracing Authority disciplinary panel after the Class A drug was detected in his system. The hearing revealed unusual circumstances surrounding the incident.
Panel chairman James O'Mahony explained that whilst the cocaine entered Lee's possession unintentionally alongside banknotes, the jockey recognised the substance and chose to ingest it.
The amateur rider submitted video evidence to support his explanation of events, though specific details remained undisclosed during proceedings.
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|Sam Lee riding Cheltenham winner Golan Fortune in 2019
"So it's not accidental in that sense but he didn't procure it deliberately," O'Mahony stated.
The failed drugs test occurred at Warwick Racecourse in May, where Lee secured second place in a beginners' chase.
His suspension commenced on 22 May, immediately following the positive result. The jockey participated in the disciplinary hearing via video link whilst working in New Zealand.
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Lee admitted violating Rule (K)49 of racing regulations. The panel backdated his six-month suspension to begin from 22 May 2025, meaning he can submit a new licence application in November.
The 27-year-old, who works part-time as a dairy farmer, represented himself during the proceedings. He had been competing at British racecourses as an amateur since 2015.
Lee's racing career had been flourishing prior to the incident, with four victories from his previous five point-to-point rides.
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|Sam Lee has been banned for six months
His most significant achievement came in 2019 at Cheltenham, where he guided Golan Fortune to success in a Listed hurdle event whilst competing against professional jockeys.
The disciplinary hearing heard that Lee's form had been exceptional leading up to the failed test. "At the time, I was doing tremendous. I think, of my last five rides, four of them were winners," he told the panel.
This impressive winning sequence made the positive drugs test particularly damaging to what had been a promising trajectory in amateur racing.
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During the hearing, BHA representative Charlotte Davison revealed Lee's candid admission: "He said: 'I knew full well what I was doing,' and described himself as being 'a bit of a plonker' for doing what he did."
The jockey expressed profound regret about his actions. "I cant express to you how deeply it has affected me," Lee stated, acknowledging he had "made a mistake" when his career was progressing well.
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|The jockey is ready to return following his suspension
Despite the setback, Lee suggested the experience had provided unexpected benefits. "In ways, it has given me a kick up the a**e. I'm really having to work on mental and physical health - and that has been good," he explained.
The 27-year-old intends to return to Britain in September ahead of his November licence reapplication.