FEI Tribunal imposes sanctions on rider, horse owner and vet in the case of Up Date 2

FEI Tribunal imposes sanctions on rider, horse owner and vet in the case of Up Date 2
The FEI Tribunal has issued its final decisions in the case of the horse Up Date 2 (FEI ID GER46325/ITA), with sanctions imposed against the rider, horse owner and vet. Samples taken from the horse at the CSI3* San Giovanni in Marignano (ITA) on 9 August returned positive for the banned substance Stanozol.

A two-year period of ineligibility was imposed on the rider, Mariano Ossa (ARG), the Person Responsible (PR) under the FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations, from the date of sample collection. However, the FEI Tribunal reduced the period of suspension by five months as substantial assistance from the PR resulted in proceedings being opened against the horse owner and the vet. As a result, the PR will be ineligible through to 8 March 2016. He was also fined CHF 2,000 and ordered to pay CHF 1,000 towards the legal costs of the judicial procedure.

Additionally, the horse has been disqualified from all placings at the event, as well as from all placings achieved since 21 May 2014, the date of administration of the Banned Substance.

The horse owner, Fabio Mazzarella (VEN), and the FEI Permitted Treating Veterinarian Dr William Yerkes (USA) were both charged under Article 2.2 of the FEI Equine Anti-Doping Regulations relating to use or attempted use of a banned substance. A two-year period of ineligibility has been imposed on Dr Yerkes, and a 19-month suspension for Mr Mazzarella. Both periods of ineligibility have been backdated to 21 May 2014, the date when the banned substance was administered to the horse. The owner has also been fined CHF 5,000.