Irish champion jockey Kieren Fallon has become embroiled in fresh controversy over a failed drugs test - less than 24 hours after his race-fixing trial collapsed at the Old Bailey in London.
The 42-year-old tested positive for a banned substance after riding Myboycharlie in the Group One Prix Morny at Deauville on August 19th.
The six-time champion rider now faces an anxious wait for the results of the B sample from laboratories before his fate is confirmed.
Fallon's solicitor Christopher Stewart-Moore said: "I can confirm that the story is true but it is a matter we are dealing with together with (French racing authority) France Galop and it is something we are not able to comment on.
"I am not in receipt of the actual B-sample results."
Fallon has previously served a six-month suspension imposed by France Galop for testing positive for a metabolite of a prohibited substance in June 2006. He was suspended from December 7th.
As the Irish Turf Club, under which he is licensed, have an agreement with other racing jurisdictions to reciprocate bans of this nature, he was also unable to ride in Ireland.
In a similar incident, jump jockey Dean Gallagher was banned for 18 months when he failed a second drugs test in 2002.
Coolmore have stood by their man through the arduous court case at the Old Bailey but the news will come as an added blow to Fallon's employers. "We are aware that the B sample has not yet confirmed the test," said a spokesman.