Aussie jockey who has ridden 153 career winners cops a huge ban from racing over drugs scandal

A leading female jockey from Western Australia has been given a nationwide six-month ban after a positive drug test.

Jessica Gray, 28, has ridden more than 150 career winners but her reputation is now in tatters after testing positive for banned substances.

It followed hoop driving in the prestigious Broome Cup and four other races on August 24.

Gray’s positive reading has stunned the racing identity following her dominance on the Northwestern winter racing circuit, where she was a prolific winner.

The Carnarvon, Roebourne, Junction and Marble Bar Cups were won by Gray on Gambler’s Gold, Awesome Chatter, La Cartier and Prince Tikea respectively.

She also recorded four wins at Broome on July 13 and Derby a week later.

But her only placing on Broome Cup day was a close race third with Red Rebel, and she finished last of the 13 aboard Our Norman in the main race.

In a statement, the stewards confirmed that Gray pleaded guilty after testing positive for a banned substance on August 24.

She has been suspended as of October 1.

“If Ms. Gray returns clear samples and attends counseling, she will be allowed to work as a stable worker from November 1,” the statement read.

“Consideration will be given at gradual intervals to approve her track work, and later to conduct trial runs with barriers.”

Gray started riding as a student in 2017 and previously told the newspaper ABC she often starved herself to gain weight.

“I would have happily wrapped my legs, happily wrapped my body, sweatpants, sweatpants, sweat top, about three sweaters, a big waterproof jacket and a hat,” she said.

“You just go outside and run in the heat, jump in the car and go for a ride with the heater on.”

Gray took a break from the sport at the time to focus on her mental health.