Dubai: Multiple Group 1 winning trainer Majed Al Jahouri has been banned for 12 months after two of his horses tested positive to a prohibited substance.
The Emirates Racing Authority (ERA) has confirmed in an official press release that propoxyphene, an analgesic (pain killer), was detected in post-race blood and urine samples taken from Thakif and Areem during the recently concluded 2014-2015 UAE racing season.
Thakif won the HH The President Cup in Abu Dhabi on February 15, 2015, while Areem finished fifth behind Manark in the Bani Yas at Meydan on February 19, 2015.
During ERA inquires conducted over two sittings on March 17 and April 6, Al Jahouri pleaded guilty to two charges under the provisions of ERA Rule 95AAA 2 in that he presented Thakif and Areem to race under the influence of banned substances.
In considering the penalty the Stewards took into account the following:
1. Al Jahouri’s guilty pleas; 2. The seriousness of these matters; 3. The status of the races involved; 4. The nature of the prohibited substances detected that being an opioid analgesic which is a narcotic and performance enhancing substance; 5. Al Jahouri’s record in relation to breaches of the prohibited substance rules which shows that these were his 3rd and 4th offences: 6. The personal circumstances of Al Jahouri.
Al Jahouri’s suspension will end on April 6 next year, which means that he will miss the whole 2015-2016 UAE racing season which runs from November 2015 to March 2016.
Meanwhile, ERA licensed Veterinarian Dr. Alejandro Echezarreta was also suspended for a period of 12 months after pleading guilty to two charges under the provisions of ERA Rule 95AAA 1 (b) in that he administered or caused to be administered the product “Fustex” to Thakif and Areem prior to their races at Abu Dhabi and at Meydan which upon analysis of post-race urine and blood samples were found to contain the prohibited substance propoxyphene.
In considering penalty, the Stewards took into account the following: 1. Dr Echezarreta’s guilty pleas; 2. The seriousness of these matters; 3. The status of the races involved; 4. The nature of the prohibited substance detected that being an opioid analgesic which is a narcotic and performance enhancing substance: 5. Dr Echezarreta’s negligence in using this product (FUSTEX) without seeking advice from the ERA Veterinary Department; 6. The personal circumstances of Dr Echezarreta.
Dr Echezarreta has been disqualified for a period of twelve months, effective immediately and to expire at midnight April 6, 2016.
