No ban on energy drinks - Maxse

The Jockey Club has moved to quash mounting speculation of a ban on jockeys using energy-enhancing drinks such as Red Bull.

Reports that a ban might be imminent as drinks such as Red Bull contain ephedrine - a stimulant substance banned under IOC rules but not under Jockey Club protocol - have been found to be wide of the mark.

Jockey Club press officer John Maxse said today: 'There are no plans to introduce a ban on any energy drinks. We have spoken with the manufacturers of Red Bull who assure us that it does not contain ephedrine.

'The story arose after one jockey gave a sample which tested positive for ephedrine. Ephedrine is a banned substance under IOC rules, because it can act as a stimulant.

'Our testing procedures are much more focused on ensuring riders are fit and safe to be in charge of a horse travelling at 30 miles an hour. Performance enhancing is what we look for when we are testing a horse.

'However, nothing has been proven as to what was the cause of the test and in fact the levels in the test in question indicate a product with more concentrated levels of ephedrine than found in an energy drink.

'We would notify a jockey just to let him know of a positive test for ephedrine just so that he is aware.

'If a particular trend is identified then we take appropriate action. In this case we are talking about one test which doesn`t amount to a trend but in the case of diuretics we were able to identify an increase in its use which led to it becoming a banned substance.

'Any doctor would tell you that a diet which consists solely of energy drinks is not very healthy. We would be a little bit concerned if a jockey was relying solely on such products but everything in moderation is fine and there are no plans to ban energy drinks.'