Victorian jockey banned for six months

Jockey Chloe Azzopardi, aged 26, has been handed a six-month suspension after testing positive for a banned substance.

Azzopardi, who moved to Victoria late in 2021, produced the positive urine sample after riding trackwork at Flemington on April 17, 2023.

The result came as a surprise to the racing community and brought about immediate consequences for the young jockey, who had relocated in pursuit of bigger opportunities in her career.

The Stewards’ report outlined, “Ms C Azzopardi after riding trackwork on Monday 17 April 2023 at Flemington… provided a urine sample on the aforementioned date which was found upon analysis to contain a banned substance under AR 136(1).”

In response, Azzopardi pleaded guilty to a charge under AR 139(1)(a).

Consequently, her license to ride in races was suspended for a period of 6 months commencing on 2 May 2023 and set to expire on 2 November 2023.

Azzopardi has been advised that she would be permitted to resume riding track work and jump-outs should she provide a clearing sample free of any banned substance.

Her forthright evidence at the inquiry, her prior record, and the seriousness of the charge were taken into consideration while assessing the penalty.

Azzopardi was also informed of her rights of appeal.