A RISING star in the racing world yesterday became the first jockey to fail a breathalyser test under new rules.

Keith Dalgleish, 20, was asked to stand down for "safety reasons" at Redcar Racecourse after two checks revealed he tested above the permitted threshold.

Jockey Club director of public relations John Maxse said that a subsequent urine sample would have to be analysed before any disciplinary action was considered.

If the sample does not show an alcohol level above the threshold then Mr Dalgleish will not face any action.

The maximum amount of alcohol allowed is 17 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath.

It comes less than two weeks after the jockey was suspended for two days on September 3 and 4 for excessive use of the whip.

Dalgleish gained his riding licence in December 1999 and rode his first winner after only his fourth race the following January.

He has ridden 57 winners so far this season, including one at Royal Ascot.

The young Scot earned many plaudits for his ride on that occasion, not least from his boss Mark Johnston.

Mr Johnston, who trains at Middleham, North Yorkshire, has described Dalgleish as a possible championship contender one day.

The new Jockey Club rules on the use of breathalysers came into force for the first time at Brighton on July 15.

Both Dalgleish and Mr Johnston declined to comment last night.