Racing

Jockey Tom Bellamy fails breath test ahead of Cheltenham

Rider was due to partner Ballymalin and Splash Of Ginge on New Year’s Day card

Tom Bellamy (R) partners Splash of Ginge to victory at Cheltenham in November 2017. Photograph: Alan Crowhurst/Getty

Mon Jan 1 2018 - 13:46

Tom Bellamy was suspended from riding at Cheltenham on New Year's Day after failing a breath test.

The rider was due to partner Ballymalin and Splash Of Ginge at the meeting but he has now been referred to the British Horseracing Authority.

The official stewards’ report read: “The sampling officer reported that Tom Bellamy provided a sample which was found to contain alcohol above the threshold level for breath samples. The rider, the clerk of the scales and the sampling officer were interviewed.

“The matter was referred to the head office of the British Horseracing Authority and Bellamy was suspended from riding for the rest of the day.”

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Bellamy is attached to the yard of Nigel Twiston-Davies, who said: “I am just devastated for him. He is a big lad, he just had a drink.

“His last drink was before 12 last night. If you are a big boy and you can’t eat, your body can’t absorb it. He is killing himself.

“These things happen, and it shouldn’t have happened, but he is just unlucky. I definitely don’t blame him.”

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