JOCKEY Frankie Dettori faces an inquiry after testing positive for a banned substance during a race meeting in France.

Solicitor Christopher Stewart-Moore released a statement on behalf of Dettori following the decision of the medical committee of France Galop, horse racing's governing body. The statement said: "On behalf of Frankie Dettori I can confirm that, as a consequence of a positive test at Longchamp on September 16, 2012, he will be the subject of an inquiry by the Medical Committee of France Galop next week.

"In compliance with, and out of respect for, the regulations of France Galop, he will not be commenting further until the France Galop procedures have been completed."

The 41-year-old jockey could face a lengthy ban if the committee rules against him. On the day the alleged substance misuse took place, Dettori rode four times in trials for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

He came third in two races, last in another and was just beaten into second on Godolphin's Farhh in the Prix du Moulin.

France Galop has not commented on proceedings and in previous similar cases it has not issued a statement before the hearing.

Dettori hit the headlines last month when his 18-year association with Godolphin Farhh came to an end, with the three-times champion jockey planning to ride as a freelance in 2013.