Aussie jockey who has ridden 153 career winners cops a huge ban from racing over drugs scandal

A prominent Western Australia-based jockey has been handed a six-month national suspension following a positive drugs test.

Jessica Gray, 28, has ridden more than 150 winners in her career but her reputation is now in tatters after testing positive for banned substances.

Hoop racing followed in the prestigious Broome Cup and four other races on August 24.

Gray’s positive reading has surprised racing identities following her dominance on the Northwest winter racing circuit, where she was a prolific winner.

Gray won the Carnarvon, Roebourne, Junction and Marble Bar Cups with Gambler’s Gold, Awesome Chatter, La Cartier and Prince Tikea respectively.

He also took four wins at Broome on July 13 and in the Derby a week later.

But her only place on Broome Cup day was a third place in a minor race aboard Red Rebel, and she finished last of 13 aboard Our Norman in the feature race.

In a statement, stewards confirmed that Gray pleaded guilty to testing positive for banned substances on August 24.

It was suspended since October 1.

“If Ms. Gray returns clear samples and attends counseling, she will be allowed to work as a stable employee beginning November 1,” the statement read.

“At gradual intervals, consideration will be given to approving their track work and subsequently performing barrier tests.”

Gray began riding horses as an apprentice in 2017 and previously told the alphabet He often starved himself to gain weight.

“I would wrap my legs and body, sweatpants, sweatpants, a sweatshirt, about three sweaters, a big rain jacket and a hat,” he said.

“You just go out and run in the heat, get in the car and go for a drive with the heater on.”

At the time, Gray took a break from the sport to focus on his mental health.