FEI bans showjumper and endurance rider for two years; para dressage rider suspended
Two international riders – one showjumper and one endurance rider – have each been banned from competition for two years after their horses tested positive for banned substances under the FEI’s equine anti-doping and controlled medication regulations (EADCMRs).
In addition, a para dressage rider has been provisionally suspended while awaiting an FEI tribunal after his horse tested positive for a banned substance.
The FEI’s EADCMRs state that banned substances should never be found in the body of the horse. Controlled medications are regularly used to treat horses, but these must be cleared from the horse’s system ahead of competition.
Showjumping: Mohammad Davoud Shekofti
Mohammad Davoud Shekofti from Iran has been banned after his horse Sir de Diamant, who finished fifth and eight at the CSI2* in Tehran, Iran on 22-25 September 2015, tested positive for the banned substance Stanozol and its metabolite 16 Beta Hydroxy-Stanozol, plus the controlled medication substances Flunixin and Dexamethasone.
Stanozol is an anabolic steroid. Flunixin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory effect.
After being suspended provisionally on 16 November 2015, he has now been banned from competition until 15 November 2017. The rider has also been fined CHF 2,000 (£1,560) and has to pay CHF 2,000 (£1,560) in costs.
Endurance: Maria Fernanda Villar
Maria Fernanda Villar from Uruguay has been banned after her horse LG Muneerah tested positive for Guanabenz, a sedative which has analgesic effects, after winning the CEI2* in Trinidad, Uruguay on 8 August 2015. Guanabenz is a banned substance.
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Ms Fernanda Villar was provisionally suspended on 29 September 2015 and her ban will run until 28 September 2017. She was fined CHF 1,500 (£1,170) and has to pay CHF 1,500 (£1,170) in costs.
Both athletes have 21 days to appeal the decisions by the FEI Tribunal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
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Para dressage: Matthias Klausener
Switzerland’s Matthias Klausener has been provisionally suspended because his horse Dendros tested positive for the banned substance Demecolcine after finishing sixth in the CPEDI3* in Somma Lombardo in Italy on 19 June 2016.
Demecolcine is a rheumatic treatment and chemotherapy drug. As a result of the positive test, Dendros has been provisionally suspended for a two-month period from 27 July 2016.
The final outcome of this case will be released at a later date after the FEI’s procedures have been completed.
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.