LEADING jockey Stathi Katsidis has claimed that former Queensland racing writer, Chris Roots, now employed by the Sydney Morning Herald, used a head-line grabbing topic to take him out of context concerning claims of illicit party drug use by jockeys and footballers.

The controversial story by Roots, who was formerly employed by the Townsville Daily Bulletin before joining the Fairfax Group with the Illawarra Mercury and then transferring to Sydney, prompted Katsidis to tell Queensland stewards that he ‘had been well and truly taken out of context.’

In an article in the SMH on April 2, Roots wrote: ‘Stathi Katsidis admits he took ecstasy - he served a nine-month ban after testing positive to it in 2008. He also insists he wasn't the only sportsman to take the party drug, claiming ‘about half’ of jockeys and football players take it.

In the lead up to his riding on failed Golden Slipper favorite, Military Rose, in the $3.5 million Golden Slipper, Katsidis was quoted as saying: “It goes on - footy players and jockeys [take it]. Well probably about half of them might do it. When you take things like that it was good for your weight because instead of drinking piss you drink water.”

As soon as the story by Roots appeared in the SMH, Katsidis was hauled before Racing New South Wales stewards and presented with a ‘please explain’ by chairman Ray Murrihy.

The same thing happened when he returned home prompting Queensland Racing to distribute a media release today which read:

‘JOCKEY Stathi Katsidis has apologized for comments about illicit drug use recently attributed to him in the press.

Queensland Racing Limited stewards were concerned about the nature of the allegations raised and questioned the jockey about them immediately upon his return to Queensland.

Chief stipendiary steward Wade Birch sought an explanation from Stathi in respect of his comments. “He is apologetic for making the comments which he believes were taken well and truly out of context,” said Mr Birch.

“Stathi acknowledged that such a poorly worded response could have a damaging effect on the sport and has said that he would take the comments back if he had the opportunity.”

QRL has a rigorous drug testing program for all riders which ensures that every jockey and trackwork rider in Queensland is tested regularly, with those testing positive the subject of immediate disciplinary action.

During the current financial year the program has been extended to ensure that every rider, regardless of region, has provided a sample for testing.

Stewards also took the opportunity to raise the comments with the Queensland Jockeys’ Association. Vice-president of the Association, jockey Jason Taylor, said “There is simply no basis for Stathi’s comments. We are tested so often these days that there is no way that you could use drugs and expect not to get caught.

“Stathi didn’t choose his words well in the heat of the interview and I am sure if he could have his time over he would.”

Association president, Ms Mary Collier, added “Queensland jockeys take great pride in presenting a positive image of this marvellous sport to the public. This incident is a timely reminder that our members have a duty to conduct themselves in a professional manner to ensure that the integrity of their profession and the thoroughbred industry is not damaged in any way”.