RACING: Top jump jockey Dean Gallagher acknowledged yesterday that he does not expect to return to race-riding after he received a ban of nearly 18 months after testing positive for cocaine.

Having widely been expected to be suspended for two years or more, Gallagher admitted that it was a better result than anticipated when he was told at a Jockey Club hearing that he would not be able to reapply for his licence until May 1st, 2004.

But the 33-year-old also said it was "unlikely" that he would return to riding describing yesterday as "the first day of the rest of my new life".

Having already served a six-month ban for testing positive in France on three occasions in 2000, Gallagher failed a drugs test at Newton Abbot on September 4th when his sample was found to contain benzoylecgonine, a diagnostic metabolite of cocaine.

Gallagher appeared emotional and drained as he left Portman Square with Jockeys Association chief Michael Caulfield after a hearing where the disciplinary committee debated his punishment for 45 minutes.

"I was open and honest with them. I had a very fair hearing and I received 18 months," he said.

"I've had great support and some great help. People have been there for me. I've had people to talk to and that's the main thing.

"There's no point lying down. I'm a fighter, it's in my blood." But he appeared to rule out a return to competitive action.

"I'm very fit, I keep myself fit," he said. "There is a possibility (of race-riding again) but the clock keeps ticking. I'm 33, going on 34, and there's a lot of good young guys coming through the ranks.

"Realistically it's early days. I've got 18 months to sit back and think about it.

"We all love the sport. It's the only thing I know. Now it's a new stage in my life. It's come a couple of years earlier than I thought but now I've got to get on with it."

Gallagher's finest moment in the saddle came when winning this year's Smurfit Champion Hurdle aboard the Paul Green-owned Hors La Loi III and he will now attempt to find alternative employment within the sport.

As well as schooling horses and riding work, he could seek a position in the racing media.

"I will endeavour to stay in racing as it is a sport I respect so much," he said.

"Many people within racing have already given me their vote of confidence and offers of employment that I will follow up.

"Mr Green, who has been there for me throughout, has again been very supportive.

"We have been a very successful team during the past three years and I hope to continue the relationship in some way.

"Paul Webber, who has provided me with many winners, has also been very supportive and I thank him for his support and understanding that I hope to repay.

"I would also like to thank my fellow jockeys for all their calls and support. It means a great deal for me."

Dean Gallagher who received a ban of nearly 18 months after testing positive for cocaine.