Jump jockey Dean Gallagher has been banned until December 31st after testing positive for cocaine, but has lodged an appeal.

French racing authority FranceGalop confirmed yesterday that Gallagher (31), had been suspended pending an appeal which will be heard in 10 days. If the ban is confirmed, Gallagher will still be entitled to another appeal.

Olivier Demalherbe, secretary of rules and stewards for FranceGalop, said: "The ban is suspended until the outcome of his appeal. We have another rule that if the ban is more than three months, two appeals are allowed so he can even appeal again.

"Gallagher has recognised (sic) to us he has a drugs problem but is appealing against the length of the ban."

Gallagher, who had been riding regularly in France for leading owner Paul Green, allegedly failed three separate drugs tests in the spring.

The job with Green was a major boost for Gallagher, after his career had been overshadowed by the investigation into race-fixing, which resulted in his spending 14 months on police bail. He was eventually cleared without charge.