A jockey has been suspended for 12 months after celebrating her engagement “far too excessively” by taking crystal meth.
Toni Moki, 38, tested positive for the recreational drug methamphetamine after being selected for random testing while riding trackwork at Te Araho racecourse in New Zealand in November last year.
After receiving the result of the screening, Moki admitted the offence and claimed the incident was a “one-off”.
But her show of remorse, in the hope of getting a shorter sentence, was unsuccessful and she was banned until February next year by the Racing Integrity Board.
In an email to stewards she wrote: “All I can say, in the hope of receiving a lenient decision, is that I did take drugs over that weekend, however, it was a one off situation because my partner proposed to me and I was over excited and celebrated far too excessively.
“It was a poor decision but getting engaged only happens once in a lifetime. I’m more than prepared to back up this statement by providing further samples for drug testing at any time or place that you ask.”
Moki told the inquiry that she thought the drugs would have cleared her system by the time she rode out.
“I made a huge error in judgement, but everyone who worked with me that day will attest to the fact that nothing about my behaviour suggested I was incapable of performing my job to the best of my abilities. I believed that I was not under the influence of any drugs.
“The instant stand down from my job is understandable and I would financially be able to get by if I knew it was short term. A 12 month suspension will mean that I have to give up a career in the racing industry for good.”
