3 minute read

Wagga jockey Nick Heywood has been suspended for 10 months after returning a positive race day drug test.

Racing NSW stewards opened an inquiry after a urine sample taken from Heywood after riding at the Wagga meeting on July 8 tested positive to a banned substance.

Heywood pleaded guilty to a charge under AR139(1)(a) and has been suspended for 10 months from August 8, the day he was stood down from riding.

Heywood was advised that should he complete a satisfactory period of professional counselling the final three months of the suspension would be stayed allowing him to return on March 8 next year.

Heywood was also advised that he would be required to provide a urine sample free from any banned substance prior to resuming any duties.