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About the FEI
The FEI is to create a series of discipline-specific task forces to evaluate the impact on the FEI Calendar of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has resulted in multiple Event cancellations and the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games until 2021.
The FEI Board approved the creation of the task forces during its monthly teleconference yesterday (24 March). The eight task forces, each of which will focus on a single discipline, will remain in place until any further decision by the Board.
The FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez, who has overall responsibility for the FEI Calendar, will chair each task force. The FEI Vice Presidents Mark Samuel (CAN) and Jack Huang (TPE) will be members of each task force together with the European Equestrian Federation President Theo Ploegmakers (NED) and Peter Bollen (BEL), President of the Equestrian Organisers (formerly International Equestrian Organisers Association - IEOA). The FEI Calendar Administrator, and a representative from both the FEI IT and FEI Legal departments will sit on each of the task forces.
The individual task forces, which will also include the Chair of the relevant Technical Committee, a representative of the Athletes and the FEI Sports Director of the specific discipline, will review all FEI Calendar related issues caused by the Covid-19 virus and make recommendations to the FEI on ways to address them.
The FEI President will be kept fully updated by each of the task forces, and will attend meetings when necessary in order to assist in finalising proposals for solutions to be put forward to the FEI Board for approval.
Following yesterday’s postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the FEI has already received assurances from the IOC that it will work in tandem with all the International Federations to find the best solutions for all issues that arise, including the dates for rescheduling and the impact that will have on the international calendar for all sports.
Following allegations about the conduct of the Event Director at the FEI World Endurance Championships 2019 for Juniors & Young Riders and Young Horses in Pisa (ITA) on 18-20 September 2019, the FEI sent Gianluca Laliscia a Notification Letter on 5 December 2019 regarding alleged violations of the FEI Rules and Regulations.
Given the allegations against Mr Laliscia, which he denies, the FEI had concerns about his role with the Organising Committee of the FEI World Endurance Championships 2020 to be held in Pisa on 3-6 September 2020. The FEI was also mindful that the disciplinary proceedings against Mr Laliscia (including any appeal) might not be resolved until after the 2020 Championship.
The FEI considers that it is important for the Endurance community to have certainty regarding the hosting of the 2020 Championship, and also to ensure that there will not be any (direct or indirect) interference with the decisions of Officials at the Championships. To achieve these objectives, the FEI, Mr Laliscia and the involved stakeholders held constructive discussions, following which the FEI has agreed to accept detailed undertakings from Mr Laliscia and the Organising Committee (set out below), which are backed by serious sanctions for any breach. Mr Laliscia and the Organising Committee also confirmed their continued commitment to host the 2020 Championship in full compliance with all applicable FEI Regulations and all contractual obligations.
Based on the discussions, the undertakings given and the agreed terms, the disciplinary action against Mr Laliscia has been resolved.
As a result of the undertakings provided by Mr Laliscia and the Organisers, the FEI Board is satisfied that there is a sound basis for the successful staging of the 2020 Championship.
Summary of the principal agreed undertakings:
1. The 2020 Championship will be organised in full compliance with all applicable contractual obligations and all applicable FEI Rules and Regulations.
2. The principles of sporting integrity, equal treatment, and fair competition will be upheld throughout the entire 2020 Championship.
3. Each individual tasked with any part of the organisation of the 2020 Championship will comply in full with all applicable contractual obligations and all applicable FEI Rules and Regulations, and will uphold the principles of sporting integrity, equal treatment, and fair competition throughout the entire 2020 Championship.
4. Any circumstances that might be an obstacle to such compliance will be notified to FEI HQ immediately, and the Organisers will duly cooperate with the FEI to address the issue.
5. The Organisers and the Italian Equestrian Federation will jointly propose a suitably qualified person to be appointed as new Event Director for the 2020 Championship, in place of Mr Laliscia. The appointment shall be subject to the approval of FEI HQ.
6. As CEO & Chairman of sistemaeventi.it, Mr Laliscia will fulfil his commercial and other responsibilities at the 2020 Championship, but he will not be involved in the sporting or technical aspects of the event.
7. The FEI will select and appoint, in its absolute discretion, all officials to officiate at the 2020 Championship, including (without limitation) the Technical Delegate, the Course Designer, the Ground Jury, the Veterinary Commission, and the Stewards.
8. The authority of the Event Officials, in particular in their activities and decisions at the 2020 Championship will be respected at all times, in accordance with all FEI Rules and Regulations.
9. The Organisers will consult the FEI and will comply with any reasonable request from the FEI about all aspects of the security arrangements for the 2020 Championship.
10. No events/competitions other than the 2020 Championship will be held from 3-7 September 2020 (inclusive) at the venue for the 2020 Championship.
11. A breach of the undertakings by any individual or organisation will lead to serious disciplinary sanctions.
Following last week’s communiqué to National Federations on the recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding Mass Gatherings and the necessity of Event Organisers to conduct a full risk assessment together with local authorities, the FEI has issued a further message to the equestrian community:
“The spread of the Coronavirus Covid-19 has taken a rapid turn for the worse and sport worldwide is affected. We as a community have to make our contribution to limit the spread of this virus, as the sooner it can be contained the sooner we will be able to get back to normal life and normal sport. And this is something that every other sport is doing.
“The FEI appreciates the amount of work and incredible investment every Organiser puts into their Event. While the FEI does not itself organise any FEI Events, in light of the escalating numbers of persons affected by the virus and the restrictions imposed by national governments, the FEI strongly recommends that Organisers should cancel all events for the next four weeks until a reassessment of the situation can be made.
“The FEI and Board will work together with the International Equestrian Organisers Alliance to evaluate what can be done to try and accommodate dates for Events that have been impacted during this period.
“We are aware that this is no simple matter, as clearly no single Organiser can be favoured to the detriment of others, and we do not know how many Events will be impacted nor how long the current situation will last.
“We have decided that Calendar fees for events that have had to be cancelled because of Covid-19 will be waived. We are also assessing the impact of cancellations of Events on other areas such as ranking points and on athletes and horses seeking MERs for the Olympic or Paralympic Games and qualifications for FEI Championships.”
“We can guarantee you that we are monitoring the situation hour-by-hour and that we are constantly looking at what specific situations need to be addressed. Our thoughts are with all of you and we strongly believe that our community will do the right thing and work to support each other through this crisis.”
The International Equestrian Federation (FEI), United States Equestrian (USEF) and Las Vegas Events have announced the force majeure cancellation of the FEI World Cup™ Finals 2020 in Las Vegas. The annual equestrian competition, featuring the Olympic disciplines of Jumping and Dressage, was scheduled for 15-19 April at the Thomas & Mack Center.
“It is very regrettable that next month’s FEI World Cup Finals in Las Vegas have had to be cancelled, but the decision was out of our hands”, FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.
“Since the FEI World Cup series began in 1978 for Jumping and in 1985 for Dressage, the Finals have never had to be cancelled before, but the global concerns about the spread of the virus and the travel restrictions imposed by the US Government have meant that the Finals are one of many major sporting events impacted by this outbreak.
“Like everyone in our community, we are disappointed, not only for the athletes who have qualified for the Finals, but also for Las Vegas Events and US Equestrian, and of course our top partner Longines, but the health, well-being and safety of our athletes, officials and our fans has to be our top priority. We hope we can alleviate that disappointment by returning to Las Vegas for a wonderful FEI World Cup Finals in the future.”
All ticket buyers and exhibitors will be issued full refunds. The Las Vegas Events ticket office will contact all ticket holders on the process starting the week of 16 March.
Further information on the FEI World Cup™ Finals 2020 in Las Vegas can be found at www.WorldCupLasVegas.com.
About the FEI World Cup™ Finals
The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™, the world’s premiere individual Jumping series, and the breeding ground of equestrian legends, is now in its 41st season, with the first Final dating back to 1979. The very best human and equine athletes from 15 leagues in 43 countries around the world battled it out to qualify for this year’s Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final in Las Vegas (USA), hoping to claim a share in the jackpot of more than €1.3 million.
Las Vegas was due to host the Final for the sixth time, having previously welcomed the crème de la crème of the Jumping world in 2000, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2015. Other Finals held in the USA were at Baltimore (1980), Tampa (1989), Del Mar, CA (1992) and Omaha (2017).
The reigning Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ champion is Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat with his horse Alamo, who took the 2019 title at the Scandinavium Arena in Gothenburg (SWE) for his third victory in the history of the series.
The FEI Dressage World Cup™ series, now in its 34th season, is the most prestigious individual competition in the discipline, combining precision, athleticism and the ultimate partnership between horse and human. Dressage athletes worldwide compete across four leagues: Western European, Central European, North American (including Canada) and Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, Asia), with just 18 earning their ticket to the Final.
Las Vegas has played host to the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final four times, in 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2015. The FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final also visited the USA in 1995 (Los Angeles) and 2017 (Omaha).
The reigning FEI Dressage World Cup™ champion is Germany’s Isabell Werth, who rode the mare Weihegold OLD to success in Gothenburg (SWE) to claim the fifth title of her extraordinary career.
About Las Vegas Events
Founded in 1983, Las Vegas Events is a private, not-for-profit organization funded by hotel room tax. Through its Signature Event initiative, LVE has created a model to integrate all elements of special events and formally improve communication between event producers and Las Vegas’ hotel properties and sponsors. Since 1991, Las Vegas Events has produced, presented or supported more than 750 events.
About Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) www.fei.org
The FEI is the world governing body for horse sport recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and was founded in 1921. Equestrian sport has been part of the Olympic movement since the 1912 Games in Stockholm.
The FEI is the sole controlling authority for all international events in the Olympic sports of Jumping, Dressage and Eventing, as well as Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining.
The FEI became one of the first international sports governing bodies to govern and regulate global para sport alongside its seven able-bodied disciplines when Para Dressage joined its ranks in 2006. The FEI now governs all international competitions for Para Dressage and Para Driving.
About US Equestrian
The United States Equestrian Federation (US Equestrian) is the national governing body for equestrian sport and its mission is to provide access to, and participation in equestrian sports at all levels by ensuring fairness, safety, and enjoyment. Since its inception in 1917, US Equestrian has been bringing the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible. US Equestrian trains, selects, and funds the United States Equestrian Team, which consistently wins medals at the highest level of international competition, including the Olympic Games.
Daniel Coyle (IRL) finished the 2019/2020 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ North American League the same way he started it—with a victory.
After beginning the season with a win in Vancouver (CAN), Coyle rode Farrel to the top of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Ocala (USA), besting an eight-horse jump-off. The duo crossed the timers of Olaf Petersen, Jr.’s (GER) shortened course in 37.05 seconds. Margie Engle (USA) and Dicas finished second with a 37.37-second time, while Adrienne Sternlicht (USA) and Cristalline finished third in 37.96 seconds.
“I think everything was going really well until the last turn. I had a little slip there, and I thought everything was going great until that point. I thought, ‘Have I lost it?’” Coyle detailed. “When I went through the finish and [saw] that I was able to catch the [leaders]—both of them have fantastic horses and are fantastic riders as well—I was delighted to beat them!”
Last to go and Engle to beat, Coyle executed a very different plan than the then-leader. Engle used Dicas’ massive stride to her advantage, while Coyle relied on Farrel’s swift turning, along with a sheer will to win.
“[Farrel] is a very small horse. He doesn’t have as big a jump as most horses, but he just believes he’s one of the best,” Coyle said. “Belief always overdoes talent, and he obviously has loads of that as well, but it’s his way, and he can do things that other horses can’t do.”
The victory secured Coyle a place in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final, which will take place in Las Vegas (USA), 15-19 April 2020. The appearance would mark Coyle’s first in a championship.
“In the middle of last year, [my team] decided to try and aim for the [Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final]. Until today, it seemed we didn’t have enough points. It’ll be my first World Cup Final, and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Sternlicht finishes the league atop the east coast standings with 61 points, one more than Elizabeth “Beezie” Madden (USA) with 60 points. Brian Moggre (USA) is third in the standings with 56 points.
Karl Cook (USA) finishes the season atop the west coast standings with 59 points. Jenni McAllister (USA), who finished seventh in Ocala, moved into second with 40 points, one ahead of Alex Granato (USA) with 39 points.
Alison King, Hong Kong’s first FEI Official and a huge supporter of equestrian sport, sadly passed away on 3 March 2020. She was 69.
Alison King was appointed as an FEI Official in 2008 and held various roles through the years. She moved rapidly up the ranks, and was the first person in Hong Kong to become an FEI 5* Para Dressage Judge. She was also an FEI 5* Technical Delegate for Para Dressage, an FEI 4* Dressage Judge, FEI 4* Dressage Judge for Young Horses, and an FEI Level 2 Steward for Jumping, Eventing, Dressage and Para Dressage. In 2016 she was appointed as a Course Director for Stewards in Para Dressage.
She officiated at close to 90 FEI Events over a 12-year period. She was a Para Dressage Judge at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Caen (FRA) and also on the Dressage Ground Jury at the FEI Asian Championships 2019 in Pattaya (THA). She was also an Assistant Steward at the Longines Masters of Hong Kong from 2013 to 2018, and was Chief Steward at last year’s event.
Alison King contributed enormously to Officials’ education, both locally and internationally. At a local level she held the role of HKEF Senior Dressage Judge from 2008 to 2017, while at an international level she was appointed as a Course Director for the FEI Dressage Educative Event Pilot Project in 2014 and developed the Equestrian Sport Educative Event (ESEE) for the Dressage Module funded by the FEI Solidarity.
“Alison was one of our best known Officials in Dressage and Para Dressage and was always a joy to work with”, FEI Dressage, Para Dressage, Vaulting & Reining Director Bettina de Rham said. “During her long career she served the sport internationally through many different roles. Her passion for the sport shone through and her ability to pass on her incredible depth of knowledge were remarkable. She will be greatly missed”.
FEI Executive Board Member and Regional Group VIII Chair Jack Huang described Alison King as “one of our most influential Dressage Judges in Asia”.
Tributes also came in from National Federations.
“The Hong Kong Equestrian Federation would like to express our sincere gratitude for Alison’s contributions in the development of the equestrian sport in Hong Kong in the past decades”, the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation said in a statement. “Her smile, passion and enthusiasm will be forever missed by all of us.”
“Alison was instrumental in the development of Dressage in our country and region and did so much for the sport to flourish through the ESEE Dressage Programme”, Secretary General of the Equestrian Association of the Philippines Michelle Barrera-Juban said. “She had a special place in our hearts and will be sorely missed.”
The FEI extends its deepest sympathy to Alison King’s husband Nigel and son Tam, to her large circle of friends, to the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation and the global equestrian community.
Photo caption: FEI Official Alison King, who has passed away at the age of 69. (Hong Kong Equestrian Federation)
New Zealand claimed the honours in the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ of the United Arab Emirates at Abu Dhabi (UAE) for the second time in two years today when pinning Egypt into runner-up spot and the host-nation into third.
It was another piece of Kiwi equestrian history in the making as anchorman, Daniel Meech, explained.
“This is only the second time a New Zealand team has ever won a Nations Cup - our first was here in Abu Dhabi in 2018, so this is a really special place for us!”, said the 46-year-old rider who was also a member of that first-time winning side and who helped clinch today’s victory with the only double-clear of the competition.
This second round of the 11-leg Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ 2020 series was the single qualifying competition for teams in the Middle East region. And after a spirited battle filled with plenty of drama, the UAE and Syria have made the cut to the Final in Barcelona (ESP) next October. Only three countries fought that particular battle, and it was the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who lost out when finishing last of the six competing nations.
At the halfway stage New Zealand and the UAE shared the lead on a zero score despite elimination for second-line Kiwi rider Richard Gardner who took a fall at the first fence with his 12-year-old gelding Calisto. The United Arab Emirates team looked very comfortable indeed, not requiring the services of their anchor partnership of Mohammed Al Kumeiti and Dalida van de Zuuthoeve when Abdullah Mohd Al Marri (James VD Oude Heihoef), Hamad Ali Al Kirbi (Quel Cadans Z) and Mohammed Ahmed Al Owais (Uto Kerved) all jumped clear.
But Spanish course designer Santiago Varela, the man who will build the tracks at the forthcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, upped the pressure second time out by replacing deeper cups with flat ones and raising a few poles. There were eight clears in the first round, including a particularly gutsy one from Saudi Arabia’s Dalma Rushdi Malhas and Impero Delle Schiave, but Meech produced the only clear of the second round to leave his team on the winning score of just eight faults.
The Egyptians were lying third, carrying just five faults as the second round began despite elimination for their pathfinders Mouda Zeyada and Morocco who won Friday’s President of the UAE Grand Prix in which Egyptian riders filled three of the top ten placings. The innocuous-looking oxer at fence one put paid to Zeyada’s first-round effort when his 12-year-old stallion slammed on the anchors there, and when the pair collected eight faults second time out that was the team discount score as Mohd Osama El Borai (Quintero), Mohamed Talaat (Darshan) and Abdel Said (Arpege du Ru) each had a fence down to bring their final total to 17.
However they found themselves neck-and-neck with the UAE at the end of the day when a single mistake from Al Marri, double-errors from Al Kirbi and Al Owais and five for Al Kumeiti second time out saw UAE also complete on a score of 17 faults. And when the combined times of the best three riders from each team were taken into account an agonising 2.12 seconds separated the two sides, dropping the hosts to third while Egypt clinched runner-up position.
The three-man German team lined up in fourth with 37 faults while Syria finished fifth with 44. The Syrians collected just 11 faults first time out but their second-line rider, 19-year-old Osama Al Zabibi, was eliminated for a fall in round two while the rest of the team added 33 more. However they are on their way to the 2020 Barcelona Final.
In the end the Kiwi victory was clean and clear even though they were reduced to a team of three when Gardener didn’t return to the ring. Four-time Olympian Bruce Goodin and Backatrops Danny V lowered only the first element of the penultimate double second time out while Tom Tarver-Priebe, in only his second-ever Nations Cup outing, hit the same fence with Popeye. So when double-Olympian Meech made no mistake it was all done and dusted, and it was another great moment for New Zealand sport.
Talking about the ups and downs of the day, Meech said afterwards, “it was disappointing for Richard (Gardner) because he aimed his horse for this class, but you get used to performing in adversity in this game and we put our heads down and ground out the win!”
His lovely 11-year-old grey mare, Cinca, a daughter of Casall, was very impressive today and with Tokyo 2020 selection very much in his mind Meech was happy with her performance.
“She’s really nice, I felt she jumped even better in the second round when a few of the fences went up. She’s quite green at this level and it was amazing how she just walked in and did it so easy. She’s really grown into herself this year”, he added.
The Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ 2020 series next moves to Coapexpan in Mexico for the second leg of the North/Central America and Caribbean League in early May.
Result here
Standings after Middle East qualifier here
Jan Kowalczyk, the 1980 Olympic Jumping champion, passed away on 24 February 2020 after a lengthy battle against ill health. He was 79.
Born on 18 December 1941 in Drogomysl (POL), he started his equestrian career at eight years old at the National Stud in Drogomysl. He went on to become one of the most successful athletes in Polish equestrian history, participating in three editions of the Olympic Games: Mexico 1968, Munich 1972 and Moscow 1980.
At the Olympic Games in Moscow, the then 38-year-old Polish Army officer claimed individual Jumping gold with his horse Artemor and also led Poland to team silver.
Jan Kowalczyk won numerous international competitions, including at major venues such as Aachen, Rotterdam and London. He was also crowned Polish National Champion a record 16 times in Jumping and took individual gold twice in the Polish Eventing Championships.
“Jan Kowalczyk was a wonderful ambassador for equestrian sport in Poland and his gold-medal winning performance in the Olympic stadium Moscow with Artemor was truly astounding”, FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said. “He was and will remain an inspiration to young aspiring equestrians throughout Poland and we offer our sincere condolences on this sad loss.”
The FEI extends its deepest sympathy to Jan Kowalczyk’s family and many friends, to the Polish Equestrian Federation and the global equestrian community.
Photo caption: Olympic Champion Jan Kowalczyk (POL), seen here on his way to individual gold at the Moscow 1980 Olympic Games, has passed away at the age of 79. (© Photo Ernst/pferdebild.de)
The FEI Tribunal has issued its Final Decisions in four cases involving Prohibited Substances.
The first case involves the horse Chabello (FEI ID 104OU26/MEX), ridden by Bruno Cavalheiro Rebello (FEI ID 10018978/BRA), which tested positive for the Banned Substance Ractopamine at the CSI2* in San Miguel de Allende (MEX), 3-6 October 2019. The FEI Tribunal approved the agreement reached on 30 January 2020 between the FEI and the athlete. As the FEI Tribunal accepted that the athlete bore no fault or negligence due to feed contamination, he will not serve any period of ineligibility other than the provisional suspension from 2 December 2019 to 3 February 2020. The results of the athlete and horse at the event were disqualified. Each of the parties will pay their own legal costs.
The second case involves the horse Veni Vidi Vici (FEI ID: 102MJ29/JOR), ridden by Huda Kayali (FEI ID: 10081862/JOR), which tested positive for the Banned Substance Stanozolol and its metabolite 16-beta-hydroxystanozolol at the CSIY-B, in Amman (JOR), 18-19 October 2018. The FEI Tribunal approved the agreement reached on 23 January 2020 between the FEI and the athlete. As the FEI Tribunal found that the athlete bore no significant fault or negligence, the athlete’s period of ineligibility was reduced to 17 months, starting on the date of notification (13 November 2018) until 12 April 2020. The results achieved by the athlete and horse at the event were disqualified. The athlete was ordered to pay a fine of CHF 5,000 and legal costs of CHF 2,500.
The third case involves the horse HSM Cornelio (FEI ID: 104GP38/COL), ridden by Pablo Carreño Mora (FEI ID 10072192/COL), which tested positive for the Banned Substance Ractopamine at the CEI1* 80 in Ubate (COL), 19–20 August 2017. The FEI Tribunal approved the agreement reached on 31 January 2020 between the FEI and the athlete. As the FEI Tribunal accepted that the athlete bore no fault or negligence due to feed contamination, he will not serve any period of ineligibility except the 13 days’ provisional suspension from 7 to 30 November 2017.The results of the athlete and horse at the event were disqualified. Each of the parties will pay their own legal costs.
The fourth case involves the horse Saura De Fondcombe (FEI ID: 103CM83 /SUI), ridden by Nadja Peter Steiner (FEI ID: 10006562/SUI), which tested positive for the Banned Substance O-Desmethyltramadol at the CSI3*-W in Tetouan (MAR), 5-8 October 2017.
Following an application by the athlete, on 22 December 2017 the FEI Tribunal lifted the two-month provisional suspension of the horse, which had been imposed on 9 November 2017. Following a second application from the athlete, on 8 August 2018 the FEI Tribunal lifted her provisional suspension, imposed on 9 November 2017.
According to the FEI Tribunal Decision, the athlete will be suspended for a period of two years, while the period of the provisional suspension (9 November 2017 to 8 August 2018) shall be credited against the period of ineligibility imposed, meaning the athlete will be ineligible until 19 May 2021. The athlete was ordered to pay a fine of CHF 7,500, pay the cost of the B-sample analysis and contribute CHF 2,000 to the costs.
The Final Decisions on these cases can be found here.
The parties can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within 21 days of receipt of the decisions.
Separately, the FEI has announced a new adverse analytical finding (AAF) involving an equine prohibited substance. The case involves a *Banned Substance under the FEI’s Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations (EADCMRs).
In the following Endurance case, the trainer has been provisionally suspended until the FEI Tribunal renders its decision. The horse has been provisionally suspended for two months from the date of notification. As this case involves a minor, the name of the athlete and horse are withheld.
Horse: N/A
Person Responsible: N/A
Trainer: Ghanim Mohd Al Marri (FEI ID 10048641/UAE)
Event: CEI2* 120 - Bou Thib (UAE), 12-13.12.2019
Prohibited Substance(s): Testosterone
Date of notification: 19 February 2020 (horse); 20 February (trainer)
In the two following cases the athletes refused to submit the horses to sample collection and have been provisionally suspended until the FEI Tribunal renders its decision.
Horse: Sarem (FEI ID 105MZ22/KSA)
Person Responsible: Mohammed Almalky (FEI ID: 10134839/KSA)
Trainer: Meshary Almalky (FEI ID:10158793/KSA)
Event: CEI2* 120 - Al Ula (KSA), 01.02.2020
Violation: refusal to submit to sample collection
Date of notification: 19 February 2020
Horse: Kenya De Safray (FEI ID 105AK13/FRA)
Person Responsible: Marine Jobin (FEI ID: 10035870/FRA)
Event: CSI1* - Le Touquet (FRA), 02-05.05.2019
Violation: refusal to submit to sample collection
Date of notification: 21 February 2020
Details on these cases can be found here.
Notes to Editors:
FEI Equine Prohibited Substances
The FEI Prohibited Substances List is divided into two sections: Controlled Medication and *Banned Substances. Controlled Medication substances are those that are regularly used to treat horses, but which must have been cleared from the horse’s system by the time of competition. Banned (doping) Substances should never be found in the body of the horse and are prohibited at all times.
In the case of an adverse analytical finding (AAF) for a Banned Substance, the Person Responsible (PR) is automatically provisionally suspended from the date of notification (with the exception of certain cases involving a Prohibited Substance which is also a **Specified Substance). The horse is provisionally suspended for two months.
Information on all substances is available on the searchable FEI Equine Prohibited Substances Database.
Norway’s Geir Gulliksen posted the first World Cup victory of his long and successful career in the thrilling 14th and last qualifier of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ 2019/2020 Western European League (WEL) in Gothenburg, Sweden today where he pinned young Swiss star Bryan Balsiger into second place and French Olympic gold medallist, Kevin Staut, into third.
But, not satisfied with having stolen the show with the ride of his life on his brave little gelding VDL Groep Quatro, Gulliksen added even more drama when taking a tumble from the horse during the prizegiving.
“I feel fine actually - except for my arse! I wouldn’t change anything that happened today. This crowd – of all the shows in the whole world there is no crowd like this. Even to fall off it doesn’t matter, I couldn’t be happier. This is definitely the highlight of my career!”, said the 60-year-old rider afterwards.
The result saw him rocket up to 10th place in the WEL rankings so he’s now well-qualified for the much-anticipated Longines 2020 Final in Las Vegas, USA next April where current league leader, Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat, will defend his title for the fourth time. A total of 18 riders from the Western European League, apart from the defending champion, have now booked their tickets to the showdown in the Nevada desert, and Balsiger claimed his spot by moving into 15th place while Staut was already guaranteed a place, finishing fourth on the final leaderboard after a great run over the winter months.
The contours of the Scandinavium Arena always ensures a strong challenge, and today was no exception as only five of the 32 starters found the key to Peter Lundstrom’s tough 14-fence first-round track. The spectators groaned loudest when their own Henrik von Eckermann (Peter Pan) and Peder Fredricson (H&M Christian K) made it all the way to the very last fence only to pick up a fault there, but their long-time hero Rolf-Goran Bengtsson saved the day when making the cut with the big grey, Cassilano Jmen.
He was first to go against the clock with this relatively new ride and left the door open with two fences on the floor in 48.52 seconds. Gulliksen was next into the ring, and his little 14-year-old gelding gave him everything he had to come home clear in 45.75 seconds to put it up to the remaining three.
Belgium’s Olivier Philippaerts looked set to knock the Norwegian off his pedestal until H&M Legend of Love hit the first element of the double halfway around the new track, and Staut looked really threatening with the super-fast For Joy van’t Zorgvliet HDC who raced home in the quickest time of 44.51 seconds but lowered the vertical third fence along the way.
Now only Balsiger could stop Gulliksen from taking the win, and this talented 22-year-old who won the opening leg of the series in Oslo last October made no mistake, bringing the 13-year-old mare Twenytwo Des Biches home in 46.45 seconds which slotted him into second place. It would a glorious day for Gulliksen, and despite his sore bottom he was in flying form during the post-competition press conference.
“I’ve been coming to this show for 27 or 28 years and I always hoped for a day like this!” he said. And he talked about the courageous little VDL Groep Quatro who carried him to glory this evening.
“I bought him from (Dutch rider) Mikael van de Vleuten and I think no one thought he would jump like he jumped today. He doesn’t have all the scope but he is so athletic and he believes he’s just as good as any other horse! There was no place on the course today where I thought he would struggle - he just makes it happen. He’s a bit like a pony, and he never stops - he amazes me more and more!” Gulliksen said.
Result here
Standings here
Watch highlights here
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