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Dubai Crown Prince receives 10-month doping ban
Dubai Crown Prince receives 10-month doping ban
August 14, 2009
A 10-month ban from the sport of endurance has been imposed on Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum for a doping breach.
The ban comes less than two weeks after a six-month ban imposed on his father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is the ruler of Dubai.
The prince was also fined 3000 Swiss francs and ordered pay 1500 more in costs.
An International Equestrian Federation tribunal, comprising Patrick Boelens, Philip O'Connor and Erik Elstad, handed down the penalty in a written decision.
Outling the circumstances, the tribunal said the horse, Eo Fawati, was ridden by the prince in a two-star 120km event in Sakhir, Bahrain, on January 10 this year.
The horse was selected for testing that day and its urine sample revealed the presence of the banned substance Hydroxy-Stanozolol, which is a metabolite of Stanozolol, an anabolic steroid.
The prince was notified in writing on April 6 and provisionally suspended. He was offered the opportunity of a preliminary hearing, which he declined.
Later testing of the B-sample of urine confirmed the original test result for the presence of the compound.
On June 28, the prince provided a written explanation to the FEI, together with witness statements from Dr James Clayton Bryant, senior veterinarian at the Emirates Endurance Stables; Jaume Punti Dachs, head trainer and stable manager for the stables; Jonatan Andres Rivera, assistant trainer to the head trainer at the stables; and Jabir Hussean, assistant foreman and groom at the Dubai Racing Club, who was main groom for the horse.
"Summarising the witness statements," the tribunal said, "the [prince] himself recognises in his submission that, despite investigations having been undertaken, he has not been able to determine how the prohibited substance entered the horse's system, and none of the statements identified who, if anyone, administered the prohibited substance to the horse.
"The person responsible admits that he simply does not know how the substance entered the horse's system."
The prince explained that the first time he saw the horse was on the day of the race, only a couple of minutes before the competition started.
"[He] states that he inquired as to whether all was well with the horse, and was assured that all was in order."
He said he did not administer the banned substance to the horse and has never had any knowledge regarding the presence of it in the horse. Had he had been aware of the administration of a banned substance, he would not have ridden the horse.
He argued that since he could not have possibly known that the horse's system contained a banned substance, he satisfied requirements laid down in the rules entitling him to a reduction or elimination of the period of ineligibility.
"Further, [he argued] that he is an amateur rider competing for several stables and that he is typically presented with a choice of which horse to ride only on the day of a race," the tribunal said.
He said his family has an interest in some 700 horses in the field of endurance racing and that he could not be involved in the medication protocols of each horse.
"Therefore, he contends, it is reasonable for the person responsible to rely upon the stables, the trainer and the veterinarians to present horses that are fit to ride and which are not in breach of ... rules and regulations of the FEI.
"Further, that it was contrary to routine practice in the United Arab Emirates, particularly for amateur riders, to involve themselves in, or make specific enquiry into the horse's medication, which are matters customarily dealt with by trainers and veterinarians.
"As a final note, the [prince] opines that with the increasing popularity of the sport of endurance racing, trainers, veterinarians, grooms and other stable staff are becoming increasingly competitive, and that, whereas he would not believe that his trainers or veterinarians would have acted in breach of the FEI Rules, he could not '... be so certain that those more junior staff might not be involved and administer substances in the mistaken belief that their seniors will be impressed by the success of the riders. It is likely that there is intense competition amongst grooms, and this might lead to errors of judgment by them'."
The tribunal said: "Since the person responsible, his trainer, his treating veterinarian and the main groom for the horse are unable to provide the tribunal with an explanation for the presence of the prohibited substance in the horse's system, the person responsible remains entirely personally responsible ..."
The rider has an absolute responsibility to ensure that all precautions are taken to be certain that his or her horse participates in international competitions without banned substances in its system.
It was notable, the tribunal said, that the prince made reference to potentially suspicious activity among the "more junior staff".
This is notable, it said, because there is no evidence in the record that the prince took any action whatsoever to prevent possible rule violations by such junior staff at his family's stables.
"Against this backdrop, the tribunal questions why the [prince] did not provide any evidence more generally regarding whether those who are employed at the Emirates Endurance Stable in Dubai receive strict written instructions that no prohibited substances are to be administered to any of the horses.
"The tribunal has repeatedly expressed the view that it is the responsibility of competitors to inform themselves of all substances administered to horses which are destined for participation in international events and to ensure that such horses do not have any prohibited substances in their systems.
"The competitors are also responsible for how their staff care for the horses and administer medical treatment to them.
"However, the tribunal also recognises that the application of this rule can be different when it comes to persons responsible with high social and governmental status.
"While the tribunal would not expect the person responsible in this case to be personally working in the stables, the tribunal does expect him to enforce appropriate stable management that demonstrates respect for the applicable rules and horse welfare.
"Further, the tribunal would expect evidence of such excellent stable management to be submitted in such cases so that the tribunal can be comforted that the person responsible's family stables are being properly and effectively supervised so as to ensure a high likelihood of compliance with FEI Rules. No such evidence was submitted in this case."
It found that the prince had acted negligently in performing his duties as a competitor and person responsible, given that he was aware that there is increasing competition among junior stable staff, which would lead to those taking part in the "competition" administering, without possessing the necessary knowledge and skills, prohibited substances in order for the respective horse to be successful in endurance racing.
"... the fact that the person responsible had some doubts as to the correctness of the behaviour of the junior staff members, but did not at all intervene, shows that he acted negligently."
The tribunal disqualified the horse and the prince from the event and all medals, points and prize money must be forfeited.
It imposed a 10-month suspension, commencing immediately, with the period of provisional suspension credited against it.
He was fined 3000 Swiss francs and ordered to pay another 1500 towards the legal costs of the judicial procedure.
And continuing on this theme...
Olympic Committee confirms horse doping sanctions
August 14, 2009
The executive board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has ratified the FEI's disciplinary action over horse doping taken against four showjumping riders and one dressage rider at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
The cases involve Coster and Christian Ahlmann (Germany), Chupa Chup and Bernardo Alves (Brazil), Rufus and Rodrigo Pessoa (Brazil), Lantinus 3 and Denis Lynch (Ireland), and Mythilus and Courtney King-Dye (USA).
None of the five were medalists. The sixth case, involving Camiro and Tony Andre Hansen (Norway), is under appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and put the bronze team medal won by Norway in jeopardy. Because of the pending appeal, the IOC's executive board did not take any action on the case.
In the IOC's sanctions:
* Ahlmann was disqualified from the Olympic Games, and suspended for eight months from August 21.
* Alves was also disqualified and suspended for three and a half months from August 21.
* King-Dye's result was annulled and she was disqualified for one month from August 22. The US dressage team was also disqualified from the team dressage competition.
* Pessoa was disqualified and suspended for four and a half months.
* Lynch was disqualified and suspended for three months from August 21.
August 14, 2009
A 10-month ban from the sport of endurance has been imposed on Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum for a doping breach.
The ban comes less than two weeks after a six-month ban imposed on his father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is the ruler of Dubai.
The prince was also fined 3000 Swiss francs and ordered pay 1500 more in costs.
An International Equestrian Federation tribunal, comprising Patrick Boelens, Philip O'Connor and Erik Elstad, handed down the penalty in a written decision.
Outling the circumstances, the tribunal said the horse, Eo Fawati, was ridden by the prince in a two-star 120km event in Sakhir, Bahrain, on January 10 this year.
The horse was selected for testing that day and its urine sample revealed the presence of the banned substance Hydroxy-Stanozolol, which is a metabolite of Stanozolol, an anabolic steroid.
The prince was notified in writing on April 6 and provisionally suspended. He was offered the opportunity of a preliminary hearing, which he declined.
Later testing of the B-sample of urine confirmed the original test result for the presence of the compound.
On June 28, the prince provided a written explanation to the FEI, together with witness statements from Dr James Clayton Bryant, senior veterinarian at the Emirates Endurance Stables; Jaume Punti Dachs, head trainer and stable manager for the stables; Jonatan Andres Rivera, assistant trainer to the head trainer at the stables; and Jabir Hussean, assistant foreman and groom at the Dubai Racing Club, who was main groom for the horse.
"Summarising the witness statements," the tribunal said, "the [prince] himself recognises in his submission that, despite investigations having been undertaken, he has not been able to determine how the prohibited substance entered the horse's system, and none of the statements identified who, if anyone, administered the prohibited substance to the horse.
"The person responsible admits that he simply does not know how the substance entered the horse's system."
The prince explained that the first time he saw the horse was on the day of the race, only a couple of minutes before the competition started.
"[He] states that he inquired as to whether all was well with the horse, and was assured that all was in order."
He said he did not administer the banned substance to the horse and has never had any knowledge regarding the presence of it in the horse. Had he had been aware of the administration of a banned substance, he would not have ridden the horse.
He argued that since he could not have possibly known that the horse's system contained a banned substance, he satisfied requirements laid down in the rules entitling him to a reduction or elimination of the period of ineligibility.
"Further, [he argued] that he is an amateur rider competing for several stables and that he is typically presented with a choice of which horse to ride only on the day of a race," the tribunal said.
He said his family has an interest in some 700 horses in the field of endurance racing and that he could not be involved in the medication protocols of each horse.
"Therefore, he contends, it is reasonable for the person responsible to rely upon the stables, the trainer and the veterinarians to present horses that are fit to ride and which are not in breach of ... rules and regulations of the FEI.
"Further, that it was contrary to routine practice in the United Arab Emirates, particularly for amateur riders, to involve themselves in, or make specific enquiry into the horse's medication, which are matters customarily dealt with by trainers and veterinarians.
"As a final note, the [prince] opines that with the increasing popularity of the sport of endurance racing, trainers, veterinarians, grooms and other stable staff are becoming increasingly competitive, and that, whereas he would not believe that his trainers or veterinarians would have acted in breach of the FEI Rules, he could not '... be so certain that those more junior staff might not be involved and administer substances in the mistaken belief that their seniors will be impressed by the success of the riders. It is likely that there is intense competition amongst grooms, and this might lead to errors of judgment by them'."
The tribunal said: "Since the person responsible, his trainer, his treating veterinarian and the main groom for the horse are unable to provide the tribunal with an explanation for the presence of the prohibited substance in the horse's system, the person responsible remains entirely personally responsible ..."
The rider has an absolute responsibility to ensure that all precautions are taken to be certain that his or her horse participates in international competitions without banned substances in its system.
It was notable, the tribunal said, that the prince made reference to potentially suspicious activity among the "more junior staff".
This is notable, it said, because there is no evidence in the record that the prince took any action whatsoever to prevent possible rule violations by such junior staff at his family's stables.
"Against this backdrop, the tribunal questions why the [prince] did not provide any evidence more generally regarding whether those who are employed at the Emirates Endurance Stable in Dubai receive strict written instructions that no prohibited substances are to be administered to any of the horses.
"The tribunal has repeatedly expressed the view that it is the responsibility of competitors to inform themselves of all substances administered to horses which are destined for participation in international events and to ensure that such horses do not have any prohibited substances in their systems.
"The competitors are also responsible for how their staff care for the horses and administer medical treatment to them.
"However, the tribunal also recognises that the application of this rule can be different when it comes to persons responsible with high social and governmental status.
"While the tribunal would not expect the person responsible in this case to be personally working in the stables, the tribunal does expect him to enforce appropriate stable management that demonstrates respect for the applicable rules and horse welfare.
"Further, the tribunal would expect evidence of such excellent stable management to be submitted in such cases so that the tribunal can be comforted that the person responsible's family stables are being properly and effectively supervised so as to ensure a high likelihood of compliance with FEI Rules. No such evidence was submitted in this case."
It found that the prince had acted negligently in performing his duties as a competitor and person responsible, given that he was aware that there is increasing competition among junior stable staff, which would lead to those taking part in the "competition" administering, without possessing the necessary knowledge and skills, prohibited substances in order for the respective horse to be successful in endurance racing.
"... the fact that the person responsible had some doubts as to the correctness of the behaviour of the junior staff members, but did not at all intervene, shows that he acted negligently."
The tribunal disqualified the horse and the prince from the event and all medals, points and prize money must be forfeited.
It imposed a 10-month suspension, commencing immediately, with the period of provisional suspension credited against it.
He was fined 3000 Swiss francs and ordered to pay another 1500 towards the legal costs of the judicial procedure.
And continuing on this theme...
Olympic Committee confirms horse doping sanctions
August 14, 2009
The executive board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has ratified the FEI's disciplinary action over horse doping taken against four showjumping riders and one dressage rider at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
The cases involve Coster and Christian Ahlmann (Germany), Chupa Chup and Bernardo Alves (Brazil), Rufus and Rodrigo Pessoa (Brazil), Lantinus 3 and Denis Lynch (Ireland), and Mythilus and Courtney King-Dye (USA).
None of the five were medalists. The sixth case, involving Camiro and Tony Andre Hansen (Norway), is under appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and put the bronze team medal won by Norway in jeopardy. Because of the pending appeal, the IOC's executive board did not take any action on the case.
In the IOC's sanctions:
* Ahlmann was disqualified from the Olympic Games, and suspended for eight months from August 21.
* Alves was also disqualified and suspended for three and a half months from August 21.
* King-Dye's result was annulled and she was disqualified for one month from August 22. The US dressage team was also disqualified from the team dressage competition.
* Pessoa was disqualified and suspended for four and a half months.
* Lynch was disqualified and suspended for three months from August 21.
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From Horse and Hound magazine UK:
A 120km "private" endurance ride with an "unprecedented" prize-pot of £175,000 being organised and run by Dubai Equestrian Club (DEC) is causing consternation among UK riders.
The 120km event, called Ride with the Stars, will be held at Euston Park, Norfolk, on Saturday (2 August). It was announced on 14 July and will not be run under International Equestrian Federation (FEI) or Endurance GB (EGB) rules.
The ride is expected to attract a large field because every completing combination will receive prize-money.
Discussion about the last-minute addition to the endurance calendar is rife on the EGB members' forum.
One rider states: "Our ride organisers have put many hours of unpaid time into producing rides for this year and the future and, if we are not careful, they will not be there."
Others are concerned over welfare of horses ridden by inexperienced competitors keen to complete and win money.
"I would urge anyone who does not have extensive experience of competing at this level to think long and hard before entering," said another rider.
There have also been suggestions that the ride has been put on to allow Sheikh Mohammed to continue to compete. He is currently suspended from competition by the FEI while a doping enquiry is investigated (news, 16 April).
EGB chairman John Yeoman has warned members to remember the "very hard work" put in by ride organisers who are "understandably disappointed that this unscheduled ride is going to take place".
He told H&H that about 10 or 12 rides may see a reduction in competitors as a result of Ride with the Stars, but added: "It won't be so dramatic that we will be cancelling rides".
Ridgeway Barbury Castle Ride, which has a 100km one-day class and a 116km two-day class over 8-9 August, has not been adversely affected, according to joint-organiser Jill Kent.
"I know of one rider who has changed plans to enter Ride with the Stars, but we haven't had any withdrawals," said Ms Kent, who admitted she has entered Euston Park herself.
Organiser of the Pheonix ride on 2-3 August, John Hudson, also said he has not noticed any adverse effect on entries.
Mr Yeoman added that the prize-fund is "unprecedented in Europe, let alone the UK" and would attract a large field, adding: "My wife and brother will both be competing, it will be a terrific event."
FEI head of endurance Ian Williams told H&H that Dubai Equestrian Club enquired "some months ago" about the legalities of running a private ride.
"As a one-off, it's like unaffiliated show jumping. It's a private get-together and there's nothing in our statutes to prevent that," he said.
While he added that the FEI had little information about the event, he believed organisers were using experienced endurance vets and running the ride "virtually like an international endurance competition".
He added that a prize-fund of £175,000 would be "fairly standard" in the UAE.
Guess who won the race, while banned...Yup, his highness!
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