another positive in this underbelly of racing
***
For immediate release
Sunday April 12, 2015
United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi:
ERA Stewards have concluded inquiries into reports received from the approved Laboratory that propoxyphene had been detected in the post-race urine and pre-race blood samples taken from THAKIF (FR) after it won Race 5 HH The President Cup (2200 metres) at Abu Dhabi on 15 February 2015 and the post-race urine sample taken from AREEM (FR) after it finished fifth (5th) in Race 1 the Bani Yas (1400 metres) at Meydan on 19 February 2015.
These inquiries were conducted over two sittings – 17 March 2015 and 6 April 2015.
Trainer Mr. Majed Al Jahouri pleaded guilty to two (2) charges under the provisions of ERA Rule 95AAA 2 in that he presented THAKIF (FR) to race at Abu Dhabi on 15 February 2015 and AREEM (FR) at Meydan on 19 February 2015 which upon analysis of post-race urine and blood samples were found to have had administered the prohibited substance propoxyphene.
In considering penalty the Stewards took into account the following:
Mr. Al Jahouri’s guilty pleas.
The seriousness of these matters.
The status of the races involved.
The nature of the prohibited substances detected that being an opioid analgesic which is a narcotic and performance enhancing substance.
Mr. Al Jahouri’s record in relation to breaches of the prohibited substance rules which shows that these were his 3rd and 4th offences.
The personal circumstances of Mr. Al Jahouri.
Mr. Al Jahouri was disqualified for a period of twelve (12) months on each charge effective immediately. Stewards directed under the provisions of ERA Rule of Racing 3A (ii) that these penalties are to run concurrently. Consequently Mr. Al Jahouri is disqualified for a period of twelve (12) months, effective immediately and to expire at midnight 6 April 2016.
Further, ERA licensed Veterinarian Dr. Alejandro Echezarreta pleaded guilty to two (2) charges under the provisions of ERA Rule 95AAA 1 (b) in that he administered or caused to be administered the product “Fustex” to THAKIF (FR) prior to that horse racing at Abu Dhabi on 15 February 2015 and AREEM (FR) prior to that horse racing at Meydan on 19 February 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:
Dr. Echezarreta’s guilty pleas.
The seriousness of these matters.
The status of the races involved.
The nature of the prohibited substance detected that being an opioid analgesic which is a narcotic and performance enhancing substance.
Dr. Echezarreta’s negligence in using this product (FUSTEX) without seeking advice from the ERA Veterinary Department.
The personal circumstances of Dr Echezarreta.
Dr. Echezarreta was disqualified for a period of twelve (12) months on each charge effective immediately. Stewards directed under the provisions of ERA Rule of Racing 3A (ii) that these penalties are to run concurrently. Consequently Dr. Echezarreta is disqualified for a period of twelve (12) months, effective immediately and to expire at midnight 6 April 2016.
Pursuant to ERA 86 (ii) THAKIF (FR) and AREEM (FR) were disqualified as the winner of HH The President Cup (2200 metres) at Abu Dhabi on 15 February 2015 and fifth (5th) placegetter in Race 1 the Bani Yas (1400 metres) at Meydan on 19 February 2015 respectively and placings adjusted to:
Abu Dhabi: HH The President Cup (2200 metres) 15 February 2015
1st ABU ALABYAD (FR) (A. De Vries)
2nd SHAYEL ALDHABI (AE) (P. Dobbs)
3rd SKOOP (FR) (T O’Shea)
4th MYRA DE MONLAU (FR) (S. De Sousa)
5th AREEM (FR) (A. Ajtebi)
Meydan: Bani Yas (1400 metres) 19 February 2015
1st MANARK (FR) (P. Hanagan)
2nd BIGG N RICH (US) (W. Smith)
3rd CALLATERAL (US) (T. O’Shea)
4th AF LAFEH (AE) (R. Ffrench)
5th TM SUPER BIRD (US) (S. De Sousa)
John Zucal
ERA Chief Steward
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