ERA Stewards concluded an inquiry on Sunday 19th February 2017, into a report received from the Equine Forensic Unit that the post-race sample taken from VIVERNUS (USA) after it won in Race 3 “Selva Middle East Trophy Maiden” (1900 metres) at Meydan on Saturday 14th January 2017, was found to have a concentration of cobalt in excess of 100 micrograms per litre in urine.

Trainer Mr. Musabbeh Al Mheiri pleaded guilty to a charge under the provisions of ERA Rule 95AAA 2, in that he presented and raced VIVERNUS (USA) in Race 3, “Selva Middle East Trophy Maiden”, (1900 metres) at Meydan on Saturday 14th January 2017, which was subsequently found, upon analysis of a post-race urine sample, to have had cobalt administered to it, as evidenced by a concentration of cobalt in excess of 100 micrograms per litre in urine.

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 cobalt at above the threshold level;

• General and specific deterrence;

• The integrity and image of racing;

• Mr. M Al Mheiri’s guilty plea and blemish free record in regard to the prohibited substance rule.

Mr. M Al Mheiri was disqualified for 1 year, effective immediately and expiring midnight Monday 19th February 2018.

Pursuant to ERA 86(ii), VIVERNUS (USA) was disqualified from first place in Race 3 “Selva Middle East Trophy Maiden” (1900 metres) at Meydan on Saturday 14th January 2017 and the placings adjusted to:

Finish Place Horse Name Trainer Jockey

1st GLOBALIST (GER) Rashed Bouresly Bruno Reis

2nd DANGEROUS THOUGHT (USA) Doug Watson Patrick Dobbs

3rd SECRET TRADE (IRE) Ali Rashid Al Rayhi Cameron Noble (App)

4th GRATUITIES (USA) Beverley Deutrom Paolo Sirigu

5th PARKLIFE (IRE) Beverley Deutrom Antonio Fresu

Sam Shinsky

ERA Head Steward