David Cottin, a former Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer, has been suspended from horse racing for three months due to non-sporting offences. The suspension was imposed by France Galop following an investigation prompted by a request from the French Ministry of the Interior and local police on April 30.
As a result, Cottin is barred from entering any horses into competition until September 24. This comes after a prior ban for doping violations that was initially set at one year but later reduced to six months on appeal. After serving that suspension, Cottin returned to racing late last year but now faces another setback.
Details regarding the nature of Cottin’s latest infractions remain undisclosed by the authorities. According to reports from Paris Turf and the Irish Mirror, the recent ban is not subject to appeal within the standard disciplinary framework, and any legal challenges would have to proceed through the courts.
READ MORE: Calls to Fine Residents Over Wheelie Bins ‘Blighting’ Historic Tewkesbury Town Centre
READ MORE: YouGov Shock Poll Predicts Reform Party Surge in Gloucestershire and Hung Parliament Majority
Cottin’s legal team managed to delay proceedings initially, but an adversarial hearing took place on June 19, allowing both sides to present their evidence. France Galop validated the police request to suspend Cottin on June 24.
The trainer, based in Chantilly and son of renowned French trainer Philippe Cottin, currently has approximately 59 horses under his care. All these horses are now unable to compete as long as they remain in his charge during the suspension.
In addition to the ban on his training activities, Cottin’s privileges as an owner and breeder have also been suspended for three months, further complicating his professional standing.
Cottin’s career highlights include a notable victory at the 2020 Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham, where his horse Easysland ended Tiger Roll’s winning streak. Though Tiger Roll avenged that defeat a year later, Cottin continued to secure significant wins, including clinching the Prix Alain du Breil at the Grande Course de Haies de Printemps in May 2024 with Kervala du Berlais.
This latest suspension puts Cottin’s near-term future in horse racing in doubt as he faces the prospect of missing much of the summer racing season.