The FEI Tribunal imposed a record fine and a longer than normal ban from competition after the rider failed to provide any explanation for the presence of the drug in two horses he competed. H&H outlines the case...
The rider of two horses who both tested positive for arsenic in competitions a week apart has been ordered to pay a record fine after he made no explanations for the presence of the drug.
Kekmadar, trained by Rashed Suhail Al Darbi, and Si Quilombo, trained by Ibrahim Joynal Abedin, both ridden by Oman’s Said Al Balushi, were tested at CEI* rides at Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, on 8 December and 15 December 2018 respectively.
Both tested positive for arsenic, which is classed as a banned substance and so is not permitted for use in competition horses at any time.
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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
