Racing: Apprentice's drugs test confirms use of cocaine

Robert Miles, the talented apprentice who tested positive for cocaine at Salisbury on 29 September, has had the test confirmed by the Jockey Club. The Epsom-based rider now faces the prospect of a long suspension if the finding is upheld by the Club's disciplinary panel.

Robert Miles, the talented apprentice who tested positive for cocaine at Salisbury on 29 September, has had the test confirmed by the Jockey Club. The Epsom-based rider now faces the prospect of a long suspension if the finding is upheld by the Club's disciplinary panel.

Miles, 22, has ridden 35 winners this year, including the Chester Vase on Red Lancer. He is the fourth rider to have tested positive for the drug since the Jockey Club's testing policy was introduced in 1994.

The apprentice Philip Shea, who claimed his drink had been spiked, was given a six-month ban in 2000; Dean Gallagher, having served a six-month ban from French authorities, had 18 months out of action for a second offence in Britain in 2002; and Francis Norton was given a four-month ban last year.