Sheikh Mo giving doping ban..

Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum was given a six-month ban from long-distance horse racing after his horse tested positive for banned substances, the International Equestrian Federation said.

Sheikh Mohammed's horse Tahhan ran in two endurance races in January and February. and "in both events, the horse was ridden by Sheikh Mohammed ... who is the person responsible", said the FEI in a statement on its website. He was also fined £2,350.

In the statement, the Dubai ruler, who is also the prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, said he had no knowledge of any illegal substances being used. He has the right to appeal.

Trainer Abdullah bin Huzaim was also fined and banned for a year after admitting to doping the horses for the races, which are typically up to 100 miles long. FEI said it had detected prohibited substances, a drug with calming and analgesic effects and a steroid.

Sheikh Mohammed's wife Princess Haya of Jordan, who presides over the FEI, stepped aside in this case according to FEI spokesperson Malina Gueorguiev.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman of conglomerate Dubai World, one of the emirate's largest companies, had previously been suspended for six months and fined. He had said he was unaware of any doping.
Reuters

Fined 2000 quid, must have put him under a bit pressue.