The FEI has imposed a provisional suspension on a Uruguayan Endurance rider whose horse has tested positive for a prohibited substance.

 

Samples taken at a CEI2* event in Trinidad (URU) on 8 August 2015 from the horse LG Muneerah (FEI ID 104TQ89/URU), ridden by Fernanda Villar (URU) to win the 120-kilometre competition, have returned positive for the banned substance Guanabenz, a sedative with analgesic effect.

 

The athlete has been provisionally suspended from the day of notification (29 September 2015). Additionally the horse has been provisionally suspended for two months. The athlete and the horse owner/s have the opportunity for a preliminary hearing before the FEI Tribunal to request the lifting of the provisional suspensions.

 

The FEI’s Prohibited Substances List is divided into two sections – Controlled Medication and Banned Substances. Controlled Medication substances are those that are regularly used to treat horses, but which must have been cleared from the horse’s system by the time of competition. Banned substances (doping), are substances that should never be found in the body of the horse.

 

The FEI Tribunal has issued its Final Decision in the case involving Sheikha Najla Bint Salman Al Khalifa (FEI ID 10018633/BRN) and the horse Salahdin Du Lauragais (FEI ID 103GE90/BRN).  

 

Samples taken from the horse at the CEIO2* 120 in Verona San Martino Buon Albergo (ITA) on 26 July 2014 returned positive for the Banned Substance Reserpine, a long-lasting tranquiliser used to sedate horses.

 

The FEI Tribunal has imposed a 24-month suspension on Al Khalifa, in accordance with Article 10 of the FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations (EADCMRs) and Article 169 of the FEI’s General Regulations. A Provisional Suspension, served by the athlete since 29 September 2014, has been credited against the suspension imposed.

 

Al Khalifa has been fined CHF 2,000 and will contribute CHF 1,000 towards the costs of the judicial procedure. She has 30 days from the date of notification (17 September 2015) to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

 

The FEI Tribunal’s Final Decision on this case can be viewed here.

 

Banned Substances are substances that are prohibited for use in FEI horses at any time. Controlled Medications are substances that are regularly used to treat horses, but which are not allowed in competition in order to maintain a level playing field. As part of FEI Clean Sport, the live Prohibited Substances Database provides an easily accessible online platform on which Banned Substances and Controlled Medications are clearly distinguished.

 

The FEI’s General Regulations are here and the FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations are here.