A recent decision by the FEI Tribunal has led to the suspension of Argentinian rider Fabian Sejanes for doping at the 2022 FEI World Championships, held in Herning, Denmark. The tribunal found that Sejanes tested positive for the prohibited substances hydrochlorothiazide and chloraminophenamid, which fall under the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) "S5 - Diuretics and Masking Agents" category.
In 2018, Sejanes had contributed to the Belgian team's victory in the Nations Cup final in Barcelona, riding Harley v/d Bisshop (son of Dulf van den Bisschop) alongside Nicola Philippaerts. Subsequently, he spent several years under the saddle of Bertram Allen, continuing his successful career with accomplishments like winning a Grand Prix in Wellington and later triumphing in the World Cup leg in Ocala.
Currently, the 16-year-old Belgian gelding, named Leobardo Arturo Flores Leal, competes successfully for Mexico. However, leading up to the 2022 World Championships, Argentinian Fabian Sejanes had taken the reins with hopes of advancing his own career. The partnership came to an abrupt end when a doping test during the World Championships revealed traces of prohibited substances in Sejanes's blood.
Suspension and Nullification of Results
As a result of the FEI Tribunal's decision, Fabian Sejanes has been suspended for a period of 18 months, commencing on October 27, 2023, the date of the final decision. All the results Sejanes achieved during the event have been nullified, as well as any other competition results obtained after the sample collection. Moreover, Sejanes has been fined CHF 3,000 and instructed to pay costs amounting to CHF 1,500.
This case underscores the significance of fair play and adherence to anti-doping rules in equestrian sports, serving as a reminder of the severe consequences of doping for athletes and their careers.
Photo: Nicola Philippaerts and H&M Harley vd Bisschop
Source: Spring-reiter