The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) issued a ruling on 12 July 2019 in the case of Mohamed Ahmed Al Owais against the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). The case involved an anti-doping violation concerning the horse Tina La Bohème, ridden by Al Owais during the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup in Abu Dhabi on 16 February 2018. The horse tested positive for Diisopropylamine, a banned substance under the FEI Equine Prohibited Substances List. Al Owais, an experienced professional show jumper from the United Arab Emirates, was deemed the Person Responsible (PR) for the horse under FEI regulations. He admitted the presence of the substance but claimed it originated from a product called Tridenosen, administered by his head groom. The product's label listed Di-Isopropylamine Dichloroacetate as an ingredient, described by its manufacturer as a vasodilator for improving blood flow in horses.
The FEI Tribunal initially imposed a 22-month suspension, a fine of CHF 6,500, and costs of CHF 3,000. Al Owais appealed this decision to CAS, arguing against the severity of the sanctions. He sought a reduction in his period of ineligibility, citing Article 10.5.2 of the EAD Rules ("No Significant Fault or Negligence") and Article 10.6.3 ("Prompt Admission"). He emphasized his lifelong commitment to horse welfare, strict stable procedures, and the long-standing use of Tridenosen without prior incidents. He also noted the product's previous non-prohibited status and the lack of formal anti-doping education in his region for show jumpers.
The CAS panel, comprising Sylvia Schenk, Dirk-Reiner Martens, and Susan Ahern, rejected Al Owais's arguments. They found his level of fault significant, given his extensive experience and responsibilities in the equestrian industry. The panel highlighted his failure to verify the product's compliance with anti-doping regulations despite its use for over a decade. They also dismissed his claim of a prompt admission, as he admitted the violation more than three months after notification. The panel upheld the FEI Tribunal's decision, reinforcing the importance of strict adherence to anti-doping regulations, particularly for professionals with broader responsibilities in the sport.
The ruling underscored the high standards expected of individuals in equestrian sports regarding the welfare and integrity of competition. The CAS confirmed the original sanctions, including the 22-month suspension, and dismissed all other requests for relief. The case highlights the consequences of negligence in managing banned substances and the necessity for thorough due diligence in compliance with anti-doping rules. The decision serves as a reminder of the rigorous expectations placed on athletes and professionals in maintaining the integrity of equestrian sports.