Dean Gallagher is highly unlikely to resume his riding career after being told he will not be able to reapply for his jockey's licence until May 1, 2004 by the Jockey Club disciplinary committee in London today. The 33-year-old rider is facing nearly 18 months on the sidelines as punishment for testing positive for cocaine at Newton Abbot in September.
Gallagher has already come back from one previous six-month suspension for the offence but he admitted today that his riding career is almost definitely over.
After the hearing Gallagher said, "I cannot change the things that can't be changed, but I can change the things that can. It is highly unlikely that I will return to race riding so today is the first day of the rest of my new life. I do not intend to lay down as I have worked hard to achieve my dreams through periods of adversity. I will endeavour to stay in racing as it a sport I respect so much."
Filed by Johnny Proby
