The ERA Stewards opened an inquiry on Wednesday 16th January 2019, into the notification by the Dubai Equine Forensic Unit that the pre-race blood sample taken from MARGHAM DUBAI (FR) prior to it competing in Race 1 “Wathba Stallions Cup (For Private Owners Only)” over 1400 metres at Al Ain Racecourse on Friday 4th January 2019, was found to have a level of total carbon dioxide (TCO2) in excess of 36.0 millimoles per litre in plasma.

Evidence was taken from Mr. Helal Al Alawi (Trainer), Dr. Kieran Finn (ERA Veterinarian) and Mr. Jahfar Nalakath (Chief Analyst – Dubai Equine Forensic Unit). The following matters were established during the inquiry;

1. On Sunday 6th January 2019, ERA Stewards were advised of a positive sample report to total carbon dioxide (TCO2) in respect to the pre-race blood sample taken from MARGHAM DUBAI (FR) when it competed at Al Ain Racecourse on Friday 4th January 2019.

2. On Monday 7th January 2019, ERA Stewards informed Mr. H Al Alawi of the positive sample notification with a stable visit at his registered training location “The National Stables”. Mr. H Al Alawi was unable to offer an explanation for the elevated level of TCO2 returned in MARGHAM DUBAI (FR). Stewards obtained a blood sample from MARGHAM DUBAI (FR) at the stables to be analysed for TCO2.

3. On Monday 7th January 2019, ERA Stewards lodged the blood sample taken from MARGHAM DUBAI (FR) and received the results later that afternoon. The level of TCO2 returned was 31.0 millimoles per litre in plasma.

Trainer Mr. H Al Alawi pleaded guilty to a charge under the provisions of ERA Rule 95AAA 2, in that he presented MARGHAM DUBAI (FR) to race at Al Ain Racecourse on Friday 4th January 2019, which upon analysis of a pre-race blood sample was found to have had administered to it a prohibited substance (alkalanising agents), as evidenced by a concentration of TCO2 in excess of 36.0mml/L in plasma.

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 total carbon dioxide above the threshold level, which is considered potentially performance enhancing;

• General and specific deterrence;

• The integrity and image of racing in the UAE;

• Previous penalties imposed for offences under ERA Rule 95AAA 2 in relation to total carbon dioxide;

• The ERA Penalty Guidelines for TCO2 Offences

• Mr. H Al Alawi’s guilty plea and record in relation to the prohibited substance rules (see below).

Mr. H Al Alawi was fined the sum of AED 50,000.

Pursuant to ERA 86(ii), MARGHAM DUBAI (FR) was disqualified from third place in Race 1 “Wathba Stallions Cup (For Private Owners Only)” (1400 metres) at Al Ain on Friday 4th January 2019 and the placings adjusted to:

Finish Place Horse Name Trainer Jockey

1st AF ALNWHA (FR) Ernst Oertel Richard Mullen

2nd KENZA AL MELS (FR) Elise Jeanne Gerald Avranche

3rd RAYAAN KB (FR) Helal Al Alawi Antonio Fresu

4th HAZEEM AL RAED (US) Hassan Al Hammadi Royston Ffrench

5th AZIZA XMANSOR (FR) Khalifa Al Neyadi Elione Chaves

Mr. H Al Alawi’s record in relation to prohibited substance:

• 7th March 2015 was fined AED 30,000 for pleading guilty to presenting SAFINA GHANTOOT (AE) to the races with the prohibited substance Diphenhydramine.

• 7th March 2015 was fined AED 30,000 for pleading guilty to presenting AHMADANI (AE) to the races with the prohibited substance Diphenhydramine.

Relevant Rules:

ERA 86(ii) – Where any declared runner has been the subject of an examination under the Rules 8(vi) and or (vii) and has been found to have received a Prohibited Substances, the Horse shall be disqualified from the Race and from other Races as the ERA determines.

ERA Rule 95AA – The ERA gives notice that the following substances are also deemed to be Prohibited Substances when presented above these thresholds:

* Total carbon dioxide – 36 millimoles per litre in plasma

ERA Rule 95AAA 2 – Any Trainer or other Person in charge of a Horse, which is presented to Race or performed a Test, or has Raced or performed a Test which is found (upon analysis) to have had administered to it a Prohibited Substance, shall be liable to a Penalty.

Stewards Panel:

• Mr. Sam Shinsky (Chairman), Mr. Taylor Wilson, Mr. Simon Carey, Mr. Hamad Al Shamsi and Mr. Dhahi Al-Jallaf (Trainee Steward)