Jockey handed lengthy ban

Gallagher after winning this year's Champion Hurdle

Dean Gallagher has hinted his days as a jump jockey are over after been banned from riding for 18 months.

The Irishman was handed the suspension after testing positive for cocaine at Newton Abbot racecourse in September.

Following a meeting with the Jockey Club on Thursday, Gallagher was told he would not be able to reapply for his jockey's licence until 1 May, 2004.

"It is highly unlikely that I will return to race riding so today is the first day of the rest of my new life," he said.

I will endeavour to stay in racing as it is a sport I respect so much

Dean Gallagher

"What is done is done and I can only offer my sincere apologies. I am only human and I can only hope that I'm given a chance to rebuild my life and career."

The 33-year-old, who won the Champion Hurdle on Hors La Loi III at Cheltenham in March, also tested positive for cocaine in 2000 while riding in France and was banned for six months.

Gallagher told BBC Radio Five Live that he had had sleepless nights during the past two years.

"It's been tough, it's two and a half years, it's a long time. I've had some great ups as well, especially winning the Champion Hurdle," he said.

"It's happened, it's now over with, it's behind me, but I have to look forward now. I'm a fighter and this is a new start for me."

Gallagher said he was considering a number of job offers, including working in the media.

"Many people within racing have already given me their vote of confidence and offers of employment that I will follow up," he said.

"I will endeavour to stay in racing as it is a sport I respect so much.

"I have enjoyed my recent experiences of working in the media and I think I have much to offer in this field if the opportunity arises."

Gallagher rode his first winner in 1984 and his victory in the Champion Hurdle was seen at the time as a big turning point in the jockey's career.

In 1998, he was arrested as part of a probe into alleged race-fixing in England and spent 14 months on bail before being cleared.