Riverina jockey Nick Heywood has been suspended for 10 months after testing positive to a banned substance.

Racing NSW stewards penalised Heywood after he pleaded guilty to returning the positive sample after riding at the Wagga Wagga races on July 8.

While Heywood's licence was suspended in full for 10 months, he can get three months of the penalty stayed if he completes professional counselling.

He will also have to provide a clear sample before he can ride.