“Doped” Shire champion loses crown
Burnham Green Alfie, stallion champion at the Shire Horse Society National Show, has been disqualified after failing a dope test.
Prohibited substances were found by The Horseracing Forensic Laboratory, Newmarket in two horses selected for testing by the society after its show at Peterborough from 15 to 16 March.
LouHarrison’s second-placed three-year-old stallion, Trem Y Wyddfa Mascot, also recorded a positive test and was disqualified.
As a result, Paul and Walter Bedford’s two-year-old Harwoods Commander is the winner of the King George V Cup for the champion stallion, and Ray Williams’s Moorfield Edward is reserve champion. BW Morgan’s Bettws William James becomes third-placed three-year-old stallion.
Chief executive Andrew Mercer commented: “We are very disappointed that competitors at our national show have returned positive dope tests – as far as I am aware it is the first time in our history that such an incident has occurred.
“The society tests for all the substances which are prohibited by the Jockey Club at all qualifiers for the Shire Horse of the Year, and we will automatically disqualify any horses that test positive to ensure that showing is fair for all competitors.”
The matter will now be referred to the society’s disciplinary committee to determine what action will be taken against the exhibitors involved.
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