Dean Gallagher has lodged an appeal against a hefty drugs ban meted out by the French racing authorities, it was revealed today.

The rider was suspended until December 31st after testing positive to cocaine on three separate occasions in France this spring.

Louis Romanet, director-general of France-Galop, said: 'Dean Gallagher has already appealed against the ban.

'We will be looking for three appeal judges and as soon as we are ready we will have Mr Gallagher over, as soon as possible, I hope in the next two weeks.

'He has tested positive on three occasions he has been riding in France and he recognises he has a drug problem and needs treatment.'

Gallagher has been riding frequently in France since being retained by leading owner Paul Green, for whom he finished second to Istabraq on Hors La Loi III in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle.

This is the first time a jockey has tested positive to cocaine since the testing procedures were implemented.

'Since testing began three years ago we have never had any cases of jockeys using hard drugs,' Romanet said.

'Dominique Boeuf, a top jockey, had problems with the police over drugs but he never tested positive when he was riding.

'Gallagher`s is a sad case. He needs help and he needs to be cured.'

And John Maxse, the Jockey Club`s press officer, added: 'We`ve never had any cases of jockeys testing positive to cocaine in this country.'

Gallagher will need to prove to France-Galop doctors that he has been completely cured before he is allowed to ride in the country again.