Jockey who tested positive for cocaine admits 'I've been a plonker'
At a British Horseracing Authority disciplinary hearing, the amateur jockey presented a video to corroborate his version of events regarding the Class A substance intake.
The specifics were not disclosed at the hearing, where Lee represented himself via video link while on a break from work in New Zealand. The sample was collected at Warwick Racecourse in May, where Lee came second in a beginners' chase.
James O'Mahony, the enquiry chairman, remarked: "It (the cocaine) came into his possession inadvertently, in a sense, with some banknotes, but he did know what it was, or he had a good idea what it was, and he ingested it, took it deliberately. So it's not accidental in that sense but he didn't procure it deliberately."
Lee, who has been an amateur rider at UK racecourses since 2015, was enjoying a successful streak in point-to-points before the test result initiated disciplinary action, reports the Express.
His most notable victory under Rules was in 2019 when he steered Golan Fortune to win a Listed hurdle at Cheltenham, competing against professional jockeys.
However, Lee, who also works part-time as a dairy farmer, will now have to work on reviving his career once he is eligible to reapply for his licence in November.
BHA representative Charlotte Davison revealed to the panel members: "He said: 'I knew full well what I was doing,' and described himself as being 'a bit of a plonker' for doing what he did."
Lee, who is planning his return to Britain in September, has been on suspension since May 22. He gave a brief summary of his situation, explaining that his career was on the upswing before he "made a mistake.
"I cant express to you how deeply it has affected me," he confessed. "At the time, I was doing tremendous. I think, of my last five rides, four of them were winners.
"In ways, it has given me a kick up the arse. I'm really having to work on mental and physical health - and that has been good."
Lee acknowledged he had violated racing's Rule (K)49 and accepted a six-month ban, which was backdated to May 22, 2025.
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