Doped and tormented horse - shut down for 20 years

The current case has upset the equestrian world.

During a distance race in Fontainebleau, France, four years ago, the horse, Castlebar Contraband, fell, broke his leg and was killed on the spot. The autopsy showed that the horse was doped and was subjected to repeated nerve blockage.

The open fracture of the tibia on the right front leg was found to be a consequence of prolonged nerve blockage. The latter is a method that means that the horse loses its feel and can be pressed even harder, which often leads to severe injuries.

International equestrian association's Swedish chief veterinarian Göran Åkerström testified in the case against Abdul Aziz Bin Faisal al-Qasimi. In a press release he says traces of the banned drug xylazine were also found at Castlebar Contraband.

The drug appears to be anesthetic, muscle relaxant and analgesic. It is microdosed to lower the heart rate of distance horses.

- This type of nerve blockage and microdosing has been known for a long time. But this was the first case where there was really heavy evidence of nerve blockage as well as micro-dosing during the ride itself, ”writes Göran Åkerström in a press release that Tidningenridsport.se took note of.

Abdul Aziz Bin Faisal al-Qasimi is sentenced to two years of suspension for doping and 18 years of suspension for animal cruelty.

It is the longest suspension for animal cruelty to date in international equestrian sport.

In addition, Abdul Aziz Bin Faisal al-Qasimi is fined SEK 167,000 and must pay legal costs of approximately SEK 143,000.