Jockey Michelle Payne has tested positive for a banned substance and been stood down from competition, Racing Victoria has announced.
The 31-year-old will face an inquiry at RV headquarters in Flemington on Thursday morning after Racing Analytical Services Limited allegedly discovered the presence of appetite suppressant, Phentermine, in a urine sample.
In a statement, Racing Victoria said Payne had provided the sample at the Swan Hill Cup meeting on 11 June 2017.
“Upon receipt of the report, Ms Payne was advised of RASL’s findings and stood down from riding in races and trackwork by Stewards on 23 June 2017,” the statement read.
Payne shot to national fame when, in 2015, she became the first female jockey to win the coveted Melbourne Cup.
Her illustrious career was threatened last May when she sustained serious injuries during a race fall in Mildura, Victoria.
Payne was forced to undergo pancreatic surgery following the incident.
