Molly Gunn has been suspended for six months after testing positive for cocaine, with the ban backdated to the interim suspension she received on December 23. The 26-year-old apprentice, based with Worcestershire trainer Tony Carroll, accepted at a disciplinary hearing on Thursday that she was in breach of the rules.

Gunn, who has ridden 22 winners since making her debut in 2021, tested positive after riding at Wolverhampton. A urine sample taken on December 13 was found to contain benzoylecgonine, the major metabolite of cocaine, at a level of 410 ng/mL, above the 150 ng/mL threshold cited by the BHA for confirming cocaine and its metabolites.

The hearing was told Gunn was interviewed in January and alleged the result came from cross-contamination by a third party. Her lawyer, Harry Stewart-Moore, said she denied ever taking cocaine or any other illicit substance, adding that she believed cross-contamination was the cause of the finding. Catherine Daly told the panel Gunn had made that allegation but accepted the positive finding.

Philippa Charles said there was not sufficient evidence before the panel to form a view on balance of probabilities as to how the cross-contamination occurred, and she made no finding on that issue. The six-month suspension will run from December 23, and the hearing was also told Gunn was recovering from an injury and was unlikely to be able to resume riding until after the suspension ends.