ERA Stewards concluded an inquiry on Monday 20th March 2017, into a report received from the Equine Forensic Laboratory, that the prohibited substance meldonium had been detected in the post-race urine sample taken from IKHTISAS (USA) after it ran and finished eight (8th) in the “Longines Master Collection Handicap” (2000 metres) at Sharjah on Saturday 26th November 2016.

Trainer Mr. Abdulla bin Huzaim pleaded guilty to a charge under the provisions of ERA Rule 95AAA 2, in that he presented and raced IKHTISAS (USA) in Race 5, “Longines Master Collection Handicap”, (2000 metres) at Sharjah on Saturday 26th November 2016, which was subsequently found, upon analysis of a post-race urine sample, to have had meldonium administered to it, a prohibited substance under the ERA Rules of Racing.

In determining the appropriate penalty in this case, the Stewards considered a number of factors including:

• The circumstances of the offence;

• The seriousness of the offence, involving the presentation of a non-therapeutic medication in a horse.

• General and specific deterrence;

• The integrity and image of racing;

• Mr. A bin Huzaim’s guilty plea and blemish free record under the prohibited substance rule.

Mr. A bin Huzaim was fined the sum of AED 60,000.

Pursuant to ERA 86(ii), IKHTISAS (USA) was disqualified from eighth (8th) position in the “Longines Master Collection” (2000 metres) at Sharjah on 26th November 2016 and placings were adjusted accordingly.

Sam Shinsky

ERA Head Steward