Jockey Tom Bellamy suspended from Cheltenham card after failing New Year’s Day alcohol breath test

JOCKEY Tom Bellamy was suspended from riding at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day after failing an alcohol breath test.

Bellamy – who could now face a lengthy ban – had been due to ride Ballymalin and Splash Of Ginge at the meeting.

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It is believed all jockeys underwent a test on the morning of the raceday.

The alcohol limit for jockeys is half the limit for driving.

An official stewards’ report read: “The sampling officer reported that Tom Bellamy provided a sample which was found to contain alcohol above the threshold level for breath samples.

“The rider, the clerk of the scales and the sampling officer were interviewed.

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“The matter was referred to the head office of the British Horseracing Authority and Bellamy was suspended from riding for the rest of the day.”

Chaser Ballymalin was instead ridden by James Bowen as it came third in the 12.50 Handicap Chase.

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While Tom Humpries took over the reins as Splash Of Ginge was pulled up in the 2pm.

The pair’s trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies said: “He’s a big boy, he had a couple of drinks last night and nothing to eat.

“I’m not upset for me. I’m desperately upset for him.”

Bellamy will now likely be summoned before the BHA’s disciplinary panel.

In 2011 jockey Franny Norton was handed a 40-day suspension after failing a test.