Jockey guilty of riding on meth

Lisa Cropp had between 20,000 and 30,000 nanograms of methamphetamine in her system when tested at Te Rapa Racecourse in 2005. Photo / Glenn Jeffrey

After nearly four years, former champion jockey Lisa Cropp has been found guilty on methamphetamine charges.

The racing industry yesterday welcomed the verdict, delivered by the Judicial Control Authority.

Lisa Cropp tested positive for methamphetamine at Te Rapa in May 2005.

The threshold level for the drug is a minuscule 300 nanograms. Cropp's reading was so high analysts could not accurately measure it but it was ultimately determined to be between 20,000 and 30,000 nanograms.

Cropp faces a disqualification of one year and a fine of $10,000. The date for the penalty phase will be determined next week.

The racing industry's ruling body, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), will pursue costs for the lengthy hearings.

These are estimated to be in the region of $300,000 and Cropp's defence costs are believed to be in the same vicinity.

NZTR chief executive Paul Bittar said: "The processes employed by our integrity team to ensure standards of safety are upheld have been scrutinised and studied more than probably any other racing jurisdiction through this case and these processes, in particular our drug-testing protocols, have been fully vindicated.

"NZTR is pleased to have now received the committee's decision.

"Most importantly, this decision supports the strong line the industry takes on jockey safety and sends a clear message that prohibited substances will not be tolerated in our sport.

"It is regrettable that this case has taken so long to reach resolution but this was, in large part, a result of challenges on various issues heard through the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court."

Delays of this nature are no longer possible. As a result of this case, NZTR has introduced a rule that anyone similarly charged in future will be immediately stood down until the case is resolved.

Cropp has been allowed to ride right through the time of the hearings.