Italian jockey Frankie Dettori will be unable to race for six months after the French Horse Racing Authority issued a worldwide ban following the rider's positive test for a banned substance.

Dettori has been awaiting a verdict on his future following a meeting held in Paris by the French authorities yesterday.

The Italian's representative Christopher Stewart-Moore has confirmed that Dettori will be prohibited from riding for half a year after he was found guilty of taking a banned drug, which some reports have claimed to be cocaine.

A statement from Stewart-Moore said: "I have spoken to Frankie since the announcement was made and he has told me he fully accepts France Galop's decision. He also accepts that he has let down the sport he loves and all those associated with it, as well as the wider public. But most of all, and this is his greatest regret, he has let down his wife and children.

"Racing has been good to Frankie and he knows that his privileged position brings with it responsibility. For this reason he is determined to rebuild his reputation when he returns to the saddle.

"Frankie could make excuses. He has, after all, regularly been tested for prohibited substances throughout his career. He is clear, however, that the responsibility for his current situation lies squarely with him."

The ban has been backdated to November 20, which indicates that the jockey will be eligible to ride again from May 19 next year.

Dettori breached France Galop's rules by testing positive at Longchamp racecourse in September.