Dubai: The Emirates Racing Authority (ERA) Steering Committee has granted trainer Salem Bin Ghadayer a stay of proceedings following his appeal against a one-year ban after a horse in his care was found to have prohibited substances in its system.
As a result of Bin Ghadayer’s appeal, the ban has been placed on hold until the case is resolved. Prior to that a sample from High On Life, winner of the Derrinstown Stud Conditions race at Jebel Ali Racecourse on Friday, January 26, was found to have traces of Ketamine, Norketamine and Dehydronorketamine.
Evidence was taken from Bin Ghadayer, ERA veterinarian Dr. David Craig and Peter Albertm Chief Analyst at the Dubai Equine Forensic Unit. Stewards were satisfied that the positive sample was not as a result of environmental or cross contamination.
Bin Ghadayer pleaded guilty to the charge under the provisions of ERA Rule 95AAA 2. The Stewards’ Panel comprised Sam Shinsky (Chairman), Taylor Wilson, Adrian Sharpe and Hamad Al Shamsi.
In determining the appropriate penalty against the accused, the Stewards considered a number of factors including:
• The circumstances of the offence
• The seriousness of the offence, involving the presentation of Ketamine which has as an analgesic effect and is a short acting drug
• General and specific deterrence
• The integrity and image of racing in the UAE
• Bin Ghadayer’s guilty plea and good record in relation to the prohibited substance rules.
