LEADING Queensland jockey Stathi Katsidis has been charged with possessing illegal drugs and driving with an excessive alcohol limit.
Katsidis was stopped by Toowoomba police on Saturday night and his car searched after he gave a positive breath test.
The jockey had flown back to the Queensland city of Toowoomba after riding beaten favourite Gold Edition in Saturday’s Lightning Stakes at Flemington in Melbourne.
Queensland Racing’s chief operations manager Malcolm Tuttle said racing authorities were informed and questioned Katsidis when he arrived at the Sunshine Coast to ride at Sunday’s meeting.
"When he arrived at the course he was underwent a medical examination where he was breath tested and passed to ride," Tuttle said.
"He was interviewed by stewards and told them he was fit to fulfil his obligations.
"He also gave a urine sample which will be sent for analysis.
"Queensland Racing was informed that he had been charged with the driving offence and also with possessing illegal substances.
"Those matters will be heard by the courts on February 19.
"Queensland Racing will wait until those criminal charges are heard.
"It is unfortunate that these days there seems to be a proliferation of athletes who find themselves in compromising circumstances."
Last November, Katsidis was suspended by Victorian racing stewards for one month after he pleaded guilty to using a banned appetite suppressant in an attempt to ride at a light weight.
Katsidis, who has a history of weight problems, spent three months out of racing in 2006 after he refused to provide stewards with a urine sample.
AAP
Source: Top jockey on drug charges