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Sheikh Hazza's doping suspension reduced
horse
Sheikh Hazza challenged FEI's principle of strict liability. (stock photo)
Appeal challenged FEI's strict liability principle

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has reduced a suspension imposed on Sheikh Hazza after a horse he rode tested positive for a banned substance in 2012.

Last year, HH Sheikh Hazza Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (United Arab Emirates) lodged an appeal against the FEI Tribunal's decision to disqualify and suspend him.

FEI is the international olympic equestrian governing body.

The sheikh challenged FEI's principle of strict liability which means that if a horse tests positive for a banned substance, the rider is held as the 'person responsible' and receives an automatic ban and disqualification, unless they can prove the substance got into the horse's system through no fault or negligence of the athlete.

Sheikh Hazza rode the horse Glenmorgan on 11 February 2012, winning the CE13 in Al Wathba, UAE.

Glenmorgan tested positive for propoxyphene, an opiate analgesic classified as a banned substance under FEI regulations, and its metabolite norpropoxyphene.

As the rider and person responsible, the sheikh was disqualified and suspended by the FEI Tribunal, which took into account a previous rule violation in 2005.

Following this he conducted investigations to determine the source of the doping from mid-June, 2012 to late February, 2014 and lodged an appeal against the tribunal's final decision with the CAS.

CAS rejected the sheikh's argument that making the rider the person responsible is "an unnecessary and/or disproportionate interference with fundamental rights, and so unlawful and therefore outside the powers of the FEI".

However, the CAS took into account the systems put in place by Sheikh Hazza to avoid inadvertent doping. It was decided therefore that his fault was "not significant" and the suspension was reduced from 27 months to 18. The sheikh's disqualification from the event still stands, however.

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.