Press "Enter" to skip to content

JRA suspends jockey Luis Contreras for drug use

Luis Contreras
Luis Contreras at Nakayama Racecourse (keibalab.jp)

TOKYO (TR) – The Japan Racing Association (JRA) has suspended jockey Luis Contreras for the use of a drug, reports Sports Hochi (Feb. 11).

On February 6, Contreras, a 29-year-old native of Mexico, tested positive for the painkiller oxycodone. A committee within JRA on Thursday revoked his temporary permit to ride as a jockey.

The jockey’s permit became active on January 5. Since then, he has been victorious twice, including the fifth race at Nakayama Racecourse on January 11.

Oxycodone is legal in Japan. However, a prescription is required in order for it to be imported into the country. The notice issued by JRA did not specify whether Contreras had a valid prescription or not.

In June of last year, Tokyo Metropolitan Police arrested Julie Hamp, former managing officer at Toyota, for the importation of oxycodone. She resigned from the automaker the following month.