Leading apprentice Chloe Azzopardi suspended for six months after testing positive to a banned substance

Apprentice Chloe Azzopardi has been suspended for six months after testing positive to a banned substance on November 5. Stewards requested a sample from Azzopardi, 23, after she rode track work at Ascot. The suspension was backdated to November 27, which was when the results of the sample were reported to stewards and when Azzopardi was stood down from riding. She hasn’t ridden since November 14 because of a minor leg fracture. Stewards took into account Azzopardi’s unblemished record, the seriousness of the offence, the banned substance that was detected, Azzopardi’s guilty plea and personal circumstances and the precedent of penalty for similar offences. One of WA’s leading apprentices, Azzopardi rode the biggest winner of her career when guiding Valour Road to victory in the Group 3 Prince Of Wales Stakes at Ascot on October 31. She has ridden 140 winners and finished second behind Jade McNaught in last season’s metropolitan apprentices’ premiership. If she provides clear samples and completes counselling, she will be able to return to track work and trials during the next six months. “On the provision of a clear sample and attendance with a RWWA approved counsellor, Ms Azzopardi would be permitted to undertake duties of a stablehand,” a RWWA statement said. “Following a period of two months (as of January 26) and provision of a further clear sample and compliance with any recommendations with respect to further counselling, Ms Azzopardi would be permitted to undertake trackwork. “Following a further period of two months (as of 26 March 2021) and subject to compliance with any requirements of the stewards with respect to provision of further clear samples, Ms Azzopardi would be permitted to ride in official trials. “On the condition that all above requirements were complied with, the stewards would upon written request, which includes a report from Ms Azzopardi’s counsellor and reference from her licensed employer, consider permanently staying the final month of her period of suspension, thus enabling her to return to race riding as an apprentice jockey from 26 April 2021.” Stewards also have the power to direct Azzopardi to provide a sample at any time during the suspension. If she fails to provide one, any stay of penalty will cease and the suspension will apply in full.