Along with the football, horse racing rarely takes a moments rest during the festive period.
Ahead of riding at Cheltenham today, jockey Tom Bellamy found himself in a spot of bother - he failed a breath test.
Tom Bellamy has failed a breath test at Cheltenham and misses three rides, including Ballymalin (12.50) and Splash Of Ginge (2.00).
— Racing Post (@RacingPost) January 1, 2018
Found to have had alcohol in his system upon being tested prior to today's racing began, Bellamy has been suspended for the day's riding.
Due to have three rides today, Bellamy's test was found to have exceeded the regulated level. However, perhaps not quite what you are imagining, a jockey's test is not completely equitable to a standard driver.
Worth keeping in mind the alcohol limit for jockeys is half the limit for driving. Minimal amount in system can be bad news. No idea how far Tom Bellamy was over.
— Andy Stephens (@StevoGG) January 1, 2018
A report from the official stewards detailed Bellamy's suspension:
The sampling officer reported that Tom Bellamy provided a sample which was found to contain alcohol above the threshold level fro breath samples.
The rider, the clerk of the scales and the sampling officer were interviewed. The matter was referred to the head office of the British Horseracing Authority and Bellamy was suspended from riding for the rest of the day.
Needless to say, given that it is a New Year's Day racing card, plenty of people are wondering just how intently Bellamy celebrated the occasion last night.
Tom Bellamy has failed a breath test at Cheltenham today, must've had a heavy night! 😂
— The Winners Enclosure (@TWEnclosure) January 1, 2018
Oops! Not the best start to the year for Tom Bellamy 🙈😳 #partyanimal #nightmare https://t.co/OtpxC89wEh
— Jenny Lupton (@Jenny_Lupton) January 1, 2018
@itvracing how was Tom Bellamy the only one to fail a bresthalyser test? What were all the others doing last night?
— Will Hickman (@WillHickman7) January 1, 2018
Tom Bellamy had a good night then 😂
— Rob Parker (@P_Moneyz1) January 1, 2018
A silly mistake by Tom Bellamy, but no more than that.
— Conor Chapman (@Conor_Chapman) January 1, 2018
In what is a seemingly careless mistake from the jockey, whether he will face any subsequent action is yet to be determined.
