Summer 2025 hasn’t provided the best advert for the off-course activities of jockeys. Earlier in July, Oisin Murphy’s drink-driving offence resulted in a substantial fine from the courts, and strict new conditions on his riding licence. The four-time champion jockey did at least avoid a ban from the saddle, but the same can’t be said for the latest rider to fall foul of the authorities – amateur jockey Sam Lee.
Following a failed drugs test in May, the 27-year-old jockey pleaded guilty to the charge against him at a BHA hearing on 22 July. As a result of his actions, Lee received a hefty six-month ban from the saddle. However, his journey towards drug disaster was far from typical.
The Curious Case of the White Powder and the Banknotes
Whenever a jockey fails a drug test, it is usually a result of deliberately purchasing the substance for recreational use. Not so for Lee, who appears to have come into contact with cocaine almost completely by accident. Which might well sound a little far-fetched but seems plausible enough when one looks at the matter. Stupid, but plausible.
Rather than purchasing the drug himself, Lee inadvertently ended up in possession of banknotes covered in the substance. However, rather than sensibly disposing of the drug, Lee opted to put it in his mouth instead – providing video evidence to prove as much during his hearing. This decision was perhaps summed up best by the rider, who stated: “I knew full well what I was doing,” and labelled himself “a bit of a plonker.”
The Punishment
While praising Lee for his openness during the proceedings, panel chair James O’Mahony outlined the seriousness of the rider’s actions when stating: “It’s a Class A drug, for goodness’ sake. Competitors such as yourself are on powerful animals running at high speeds, and there is a danger, and that danger is substantially increased (by taking cocaine),” and “The authorities must come down hard on any question of cocaine being used by the persons involved in racing.”
Provisionally suspended following the failed test in May, Lee is now banned from the saddle until late November, when he must reapply for his licence.
Remorseful Rider Ready to Refocus
To Lee’s credit, he accepted full responsibility for his actions and has never sought to deflect blame. Flying along in the point-to-point sphere at the time of his misdemeanour, the incident came at an inopportune moment for Lee, who now finds his progress interrupted.
However, he seemed intent on turning this misstep into a positive, when informing the panel: “I’m a lot more dedicated now. I’m really having to work on mental and physical health, and that’s been good. I just want to help you guys to help me get my licence back as quick as I can.”
Hope for a Successful Return
Sam Lee has only three wins under rules to his name, the pick of which came in the Listed Spinal Injuries Association Big Bucks Handicap Hurdle in 2019. As such, he doesn’t boast anything like the profile of flat superstar Oisin Murphy.
One of THE great interviews given by jockey Sam Lee prior to the Paddy Power Games Handicap Hurdle today
A third-placed finish may have helped him with the downpayments #ITVRacing pic.twitter.com/u6OFWOJM9U
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) November 14, 2020
This incident serves to illustrate that substance issues (alcohol in Murphy’s case) can affect riders under both codes, whether amateur or professional. Murphy made a successful return from a longer ban back in 2022. Hopefully, Lee can follow suit.
