Josh Adams has decided against appealing the seven month ban imposed on him by race stewards for failing a drug test.
Adams, who has a commanding lead in the Sydney apprentice rider’s standings, was banned from riding for a period of seven months after he tested positive to a banned substance on April 5.
Adams admitted to doing the wrong thing and said he has decided to cop the umpire’s decision on the chin.
“I’ve done the crime so I’ll do the time. I’m determined to come back a better person from the experience,” said Adams.
Adams, whose ban begins on Sunday, was able to ride at yesterday’s Canterbury meeting, where he showed all the skills that have many rating him as a future star to take out the last race of the day aboard Volcanic Warrior.
“It was good to win on him today, it’s been a bit hard the last couple of days to stay positive, but I’ve done my best to stay in the right mindset and coming here today I still had a job to do.
“I’ll just get through the next few months, stay positive and come back better than I am now.” Adams said.
Adams revealed that he was receiving help during this difficult time from his family, fellow riders and his master Gerald Ryan.
“Gerald, Mum and Dad and the guys in the (jockey’s) room have been great,” he said.
Adams will ride at Rosehill on Saturday for the last time before his enforced sabbatical. His final ride in a race before the ban will be aboard Dunrossil for the Hawkes team in the last race of the day.
Adams can have his ban shortened to five months if he undergoes drug counseling and rehabilitation.