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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Will Freeman

Grand National 2022: Jockey Gavin Sheehan stood down at Aintree after failing breathalyser test

Jockey Gavin Sheehan was replaced by Davy Russell for the opening race at Aintree on Friday afternoon following a failed breath test for alcohol.

The Grade 3 20 Years Together, Alder Hey & Aintree Handicap Hurdle was won by Dan & Harry Skelton with Langer Dan, with Russell in the saddle on Speech Bubble.

He finished eleventh, following the late call-up which was brought about when the BHA removed 29-year-old Sheehan from duty after detecting levels of alcohol above the threshold.

READ MORE: Grand National runners list 2022: Verdict on every horse in big Aintree race

Sheehan is set to return to the track this weekend on Git Maker at Newcastle on Saturday with two rides on Sunday at Stratford aboard Arbennig and Taylors Three Rock.

The BHA said in a statement: "The Jockey Sampling Officer reported that Gavin Sheehan had provided a sample which was found to contain alcohol above the threshold level for breath samples.

"The rider and the Sampling Officer were interviewed. The matter was referred to the Head Office of the British Horseracing Authority and Sheehan was stood down from riding for the day."

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