FEI Tribunal issues Final Decision in equine anti-doping case

The FEI Tribunal has issued its Final Decision in an equine anti-doping case involving a Banned Substance.

In this case, the horse Halo (FEI ID 105ZA57/ITA), ridden by Guiseppe De Luca (FEI ID 10047635/ITA), tested positive for the Banned Substance Stanozolol, following samples taken at the CSI2* Oliva (ESP), on 3 October 2020.

The athlete was able to provide an explanation as to how the substance entered the horse’s system. His veterinarian had treated the horse with Sungate, containing Stanozolol, in the athlete’s presence, despite the fact that Banned Substances such Stanozolol are prohibited at all times.

In its Final Decision, the FEI Tribunal imposed an ineligibility period of 18-months on the athlete starting from the date of the Final Decision. The athlete admitted the violation and accepted a six month reduction of the period of ineligibly. The provisional suspension of the athlete, which came into effect on 11 November 2020, shall be credited against the ineligibility period, meaning the athlete will be ineligible until 10 May 2022. He was also fined CHF 5,000. A separate procedure has also been opened against the veterinarian of the athlete.

The parties can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within 21 days of receipt of the decision.

The full Decision is available here.

Article courtesy of FEI