Sanction for doping with prohibited substances: liability mitigated by the buyer’s good faith

This is a decision issued by the FEI Tribunal on 26 November 2024 regarding a horse doping case and the associated sanctions.

The horse WIEJANDIE QUALITO, under the responsibility of Mrs. Marna STEYL, participated in an event where he tested positive for triamcinolone acetonide, a corticosteroid used to treat orthopedic diseases.

This substance is on the list of substances prohibited in competition.

The FEI informed Ms STEYL that she had breached the rules, in particular Articles 2.1 and 2.2 of the Code of Conduct for Competitions (MCE), which constitutes a breach of the ECM.

In defence, Mrs. STEYL explained that her horse had received an injection of 5 mg of triamcinolone acetonide administered by a reputable veterinarian, and this out of competition. This claim was confirmed by a written statement dated August 9, 2024.

The court took this explanation into account, acknowledging that the injection had been administered as a medical treatment, under the supervision of a reputable FEI veterinarian. It therefore considered that Mrs. STEYL had acted in good faith to comply with the rules.

However, the court sentenced Ms Marna STEYL to a fine of CHF 1500 for this violation.