Schelstraete Equine Law successfully represented a rider in proceedings before the FEI Tribunal concerning an anti-doping rule violation under the FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations (EADCMRs). Although the presence of a banned substance in a horse’s sample can result in a period of suspension of up to two years, the case resulted in the finding of No Significant Fault or Negligence on behalf of our client, a reduced period of ineligibility of two months, and the immediate lifting of the provisional suspension.
Case Background: Positive Doping Test
At a competition in 2025, our client’s horse was selected for an anti-doping control. Laboratory analysis revealed the presence of Trazodone, an antidepressant classified as a Banned Substance under the 2025 FEI Equine Prohibited Substances List. A B Sample analysis confirmed the finding. Consequently, our client was provisionally suspended.
The Defense: Proving Third-Party Contamination of Prescribed Medication
Our client submitted a detailed written defence demonstrating that our client bore no significant fault or negligence for the positive finding. The reconstruction of events was as follows:
The horse had been prescribed Sucralfate powder by a veterinarian to treat gastric ulcers. During a training visit to the horse’s owners earlier that summer, our client accidentally left the Sucralfate medication behind. When the container was returned to them a month later, they continued administering it in good faith – unaware that it had been contaminated in the meantime.
The contamination occurred because a helper at the owners’ farm, when preparing feed for another horse prescribed with Trazodone, mistook the Sucralfate container for the Trazodone container (the packaging and powders appeared visually similar). The helper used the same spoon across both containers, inadvertently introducing Trazodone into the Sucralfate.
The defense was supported by a comprehensive body of evidence, including:
- Veterinary records for both horses confirming their respective prescribed medications;
- Laboratory analysis confirming Trazodone contamination specifically in the returned Sucralfate container, while an unopened reference container tested negative;
- An expert opinion confirming the contamination scenario was scientifically plausible and consistent with the blood concentration detected;
- Corroborating witness testimonies from the rider, the horse’s owner, the trainer, and the helper;
- The FEI’s own external scientific expert independently confirming the scientific plausibility of the explanations.
Provisional Suspension Lifted Ahead of Final Decision
Prior to the conclusion of the settlement proceedings, our client applied for an urgent lifting of the provisional suspension before the FEI Tribunal. The Tribunal granted the application, finding to its comfortable satisfaction that the evidence would show No Significant Fault or Negligence on the part of our client, and that the period already served under provisional suspension warranted an immediate lifting pending the final decision.
Specialist Legal Representation in Equine Sports Law and Doping Matters
Our client was represented by our Managing Partner and Attorney-at-law, Piotr Wawrzyniak.
Our lawyers provide strategic legal advice and representation on a wide range of matters, including equine law, sports law, anti-doping defense, and commercial litigation.
If you are facing a doping allegation or any other dispute before the FEI or another sports governing body, our team of highly specialized equine lawyers is ready to assist you with tailored, result-driven solutions that protect your career and reputation. Contact us today to see how we can assist you.
