Jockey Michelle Payne banned for failed drugs test

The jockey Michelle Payne has been banned from racing after failing a drugs test.

The only female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup will be unable to take part in competition for four weeks.

The 31-year-old tested positive for the weight suppressant Phentermine.

She took the drug after returning from a life-threatening fall in which she split her pancreas.

Payne said she took "full responsibility" for her actions, and added that she was "disappointed and embarrassed".

"The onus is 100% with me as a rider to know what I am taking and the rules around it regardless of whether it has been prescribed to me or not," she said following Thursday's inquiry.

"Going forward, I'm very much looking forward to finding a solution in working with my surgeon."