Dean Gallagher is determined to return to race-riding and put the disgrace of his failed drugs test behind him.
He has issued an unreserved apology to all the people he let down after testing positive to cocaine on three separate occasions in France this year.
Gallagher, 31, admitted that he made some 'dreadfully wrong decisions' and will seek professional advice to try to overcome his problems.
It emerged at the end of last week that the jockey had been given a six-month worldwide ban by the French racing authorities for contravening drugs regulations.
Gallagher is appealing against the severity of the ban which ends on December 31 this year.
In a statement to PA Sport he said: 'I am very aware of the controversy surrounding me following the regrettable events of last week.
'I fully accept that I have made a serious mistake and am ashamed of my actions. It has been a difficult week for myself and above all my friends.
'I accept full responsibility for what I did and no-one else was to blame. I intend to seek the necessary professional advice to help me through this difficult period as I now understand that it is not possible to do this on my own.
'What I did was wrong and totally out of character as those who know me will agree.
'People have been very kind and referred to the fact that I have just had my best ever season in England and France. This would not have been possible if I had been abusing my body on a regular basis.
'In hindsight I wasn't coping with problems that existed in my life and I made some dreadfully wrong decisions that I bitterly regret.
'I only ever felt in complete control of my destiny while race riding. It is only now that I have been deprived of this that I realise how badly I want to ride again.
'The reason for my appeal is that I would like a further opportunity to address France-Galop as to how I intend to serve my suspension. I will also be advising them of my liaison with the Jockey Club.
'In the mean time I will carry on riding out and schooling as the season progresses. I will work on my physical fitness and by the time of my return, I will be well prepared to resume my career.
'I am very grateful to those who have shown understanding of my position and will repay their loyalty.
'Paul Green, my principal employer, has told me that I will ride for him in future and I have been greatly helped by the support of many trainers including Paul Webber and Charlie Mann. I will justify their faith and return a stronger and better person.
'But to everyone I let down I apologise without reservation.'
