Brazilian jockey Marcos Ribeiro has been disqualified for a total of one year and ten months following two separate investigations.

The first incident took place on August 10, 2024, at the Champ de Mars racecourse in Mauritius. During routine testing, Ribeiro was selected to provide a urine sample. However, the sample collection process did not follow proper protocol, leading to an investigation on August 20, 2024.

Ribeiro, accompanied by his trainer Samraj Mahadia and translator Madame Anna, explained that he accidentally dropped the sample container into the toilet due to nervousness. According to him, this was his first experience with such a procedure, and he was anxious, which caused his hand to sweat and the container to slip. Despite the mishap, he continued to provide the sample and handed it back to the official.

The sample collector, Naresh Coomaloosur, reported that the liquid appeared unusually clear and not as warm as expected, raising suspicions. Ribeiro maintained that it was an accident and insisted that he had no intention to deceive. He emphasized that if he had any ill intent, he wouldn’t have agreed to provide a second sample.

Trainer Mahadia defended Ribeiro, stating that the jockey was unfamiliar with the procedure and the new environment. Mahadia also pointed out that someone was supervising the process, making it unlikely for Ribeiro to attempt any wrongdoing.

Despite Ribeiro pleading not guilty, the Stewards found him guilty under sections 70.2.3, 80.1.19, and 80.1.34 of the Mauritian Rules of Racing and imposed a one-year disqualification. Ribeiro intends to appeal the decision but will remain suspended in the meantime.

A second investigation was conducted on August 23, 2024, after banned substances were detected in Ribeiro's urine. Although Ribeiro did not dispute the test results, he expressed surprise, explaining that he had attended two farewell parties in Brazil, where he consumed a significant amount of alcohol.

Mahadia urged the Stewards to consider the consequences Ribeiro has already faced, including losing his job and the initial one-year disqualification. Nonetheless, Ribeiro was found guilty under section 70.2.1 of the Rules of Racing and received an additional 10-month suspension.

It was revealed that Ribeiro's urine contained 5.5 nanograms of Cocaine, Benzoylecgonine, and Ecgonine Methyl Ester. The suspensions will be served consecutively.

Thanks to Turf News for the basis of this story