Equestrian Enthusiasts Cheer as Renowned Jockey Back From Ban, Takes Second Shot in $500,126 Worth Race

On Saturday, the highly anticipated Betfair Sprint Cup will take center stage. Sponsored by Betfair a highly successful British gambling company, this Group 1 event will begin at 11.50 a.m, with the first race taking place at 1:50 p.m. Many top-tier equestrian jockeys, including Alistar Rawilson, Neil Callan, and Joe Fanning, will be riding to win the $500,126 race on the grounds of Haydock. Interestingly, among this staunch list of riders, an all-time favorite equestrian jockey is also looking forward to bringing back his glory

The 24-year-old reigning champion apprentice, faced a 6-month ban last year and will be riding Millstream at the event to get back into the game. The equestrian jockey who made a comeback in March after facing doping allegations has only participated in grade three events till now. Tomorrow the equestrian enthusiasts will cheer for him to get Milstream his first grade 1 win on the Haydock soil.

Equestrian Jockey set to make a comeback

Marco Ghiani is back in the arena. The 24-year-old will participate in the Group 1 Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock on September 9. Interestingly, this will be Ghiani’s first major event since the upliftment of his 6-month ban amid doping allegations. The athlete will be riding his horse, Mill Stream, against the group one winner Shaquille at the event.

While talking about making a comeback in the Haydock arena, the jockey told The Mirror, “It would mean a lot to get another group winner for Mr. Peter Harris (owner), as he has supported me and given me a great opportunity to come back at the top table.” Further, while reflecting on his time facing the ban, Ghiani revealed that he learned a lot during those months about discipline and self-control.

The equestrian jockey, who would follow his emotions, has now become a better jockey, as the athlete studies the situation before making any move. Moreover, while talking about the support he received during these hard times, the athlete admitted to being in the wrong crowd, telling the media, “It was a stupid mistake, and I was in the wrong environment”. The equestrian jockey’s license was withdrawn last September after being tested positive for Co****e. After this test, the jockey also faced a 6-month long ban from the arena.

Marco Ghiani’s infamous ban

On August 25, 2021, Ghiani tested positive for a metabolite of co****e containing double the BHA’s threshold in his blood. After these results, the athlete, who had run in three races before the test, faced a ban from September 5. The jockey considered it to be one of the biggest blunders of his life and admitted to first using the drug while vacationing in Italy and England two days before being tested. However, the equestrian Jockey was glad to be caught before getting addicted to the drug.

Also read: 41-Year-Old Equestrian Eventing Champion Maintains Composure Amidst Intense Pressure in Approach to Final Round

All in all, since making a comeback in March, Ghiani is paving his way towards gaining back his dominance in the arena. In August the athlete even managed to secure his best win in a grade 3 event in France. Now enthusiasts await the equestrian jockey to strike his magic at a Grade 1 event.

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