Robert Havlin back to winning ways at Lingfield after six-month ban
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
Robert Havlin was delighted as he made a triumphant return from suspension aboard the John Gosden-trained Purser at Lingfield.
The experienced jockey was banned for six months by France Galop after he tested positive for a prohibited substance at Saint-Cloud last October.
Having finished fourth in the Group Three Solario Stakes at Sandown on his latest appearance, the Khalid Abdullah-owned Purser was the 4-9 favourite for the Injured Jockeys Fund EBF Novice Stakes and readily scooted nine lengths clear of his rivals.
Havlin said: "I was looking at the day saying there was no pressure, but when I pulled up after the line I thought 'thank god for that'.
"Nothing went wrong. They're never winning until they've passed the line, but he's done it well.
"It was obviously a bit of a plan to get me to come back on a winner and it's nice of Frankie (Dettori) to step aside and let me ride him. He didn't take too much persuading to have another day off!
"I've been doing as much fitness work as I can do, but there's no comparison to the real thing."
Havlin voluntarily stood himself down in January and despite maintaining his innocence and making several appeals in a bid to clear his name, the suspension stood.
The ban, which officially took effect on April 4, was ultimately reciprocated by the British Horseracing Authority.
"What happened has been well documented. It's been a long road, but we're back now," Havlin told At The Races.
"Now I've got the first one out of the way, hopefully it's onwards and upwards. I'm staying here for the winter. I've got a lot of catching up to do, and I'm skint!"
Related posts
Five horses to follow at York on Wednesday
Aidan O'Brien: behind the scenes at Ballydoyle ahead of the Derby
Saturday ante-post tips: "he could be miles ahead of his mark"
Dave Nevison's Tuesday tips: "A big run is expected"
Aidan O'Brien: my Epsom contenders and why the Derby is 'the' race
Featured offers
Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets with Betano
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets + Money back 2nd to SP fav with BOYLE Sports
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets in Multis with Betfair
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 & Get £30 in free bets with bet365
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £40 in free bets with Kwiff
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved