Dual British champion jockey Oisin Murphy has been banned for three months by France Galop after testing positive for a metabolite of cocaine.
The Kerry jockey failed a drugs test at Chantilly on July 19, but has always strenuously denied taking any banned substance.
Murphy, who successfully defended his title this season, failed a test at Chantilly on July 19 - having ridden The Lir Jet, owned by his bosses, Qatar Racing Ltd.
Following a hearing on Wednesday, France Galop has imposed the suspension, which runs from December 11 until March 11.
A statement from the authority said: "France Galop stewards have banned Oisin Murphy from race-riding for three months after a biological sample taken on July 19, 2020 at Chantilly revealed the presence of cocaine metabolites.
"In accordance with the rules of racing of France Galop, the ban will take effect from December 11, 2020 until March 11, 2021 inclusive.
"This decision takes into account the defence and scientific evidence presented by the jockey and his counsel during a hearing on November 25, 2020 at the France Galop headquarters."
