Result of an enquiry (S Bin Suroor) heard by the Disciplinary Panel on Thursday 4 December
Saeed Bin Suroor
The Disciplinary Panel of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) held an enquiry on Thursday 4 December 2014 into the analysis of the urine ordered to be taken from SKY HUNTER, trained by Saeed bin Suroor, by the Stewards at Ayr after the gelding had finished first in the William Hill 80th Anniversary Book Launch Doonside Cup on 20 September 2014. The sample tested positive for a prohibited substance, in breach of Rule (C)53 of the Rules of Racing. The Panel also considered whether or not to take action under Rule (A)74.2 of the Rules of Racing in respect of the possible disqualification of the gelding.
The urine taken from SKY HUNTER was found to contain omeprazole. Omeprazole is used to prevent and treat gastric ulceration in horses and is a prohibited substance on raceday. The trainer exercised his right to have the ‘B’ sample analysed at Laboratoire des Courses Hippiques which confirmed the original finding. After considering the evidence, the Panel was satisfied that the source of the substance was the daily administration of Peptizole (containing omeprazole) given on veterinary advice to SKY HUNTER between 1 August and 14 September 2014.
The Panel noted that a withdrawal period of five clear days was observed before the gelding ran in the race, however, due regard was not given to BHA’s published information on usage of omeprazole (based on the administration of Gastrogard) or to the manufacturer’s instructions on the dose rate of Peptizole. As a result the gelding was receiving omeprazole from a different product than that on which the BHA based its detection times and at a higher dose rate than that published by BHA and recommended by the product manufacturer.
The Panel accepted an admission from bin Suroor that he was in breach of Rule (C)53 and fined him £1,000. Under Rule (A)74, the Panel disqualified SKY HUNTER from the race placing SENNOCKIAN STAR first, MUTATIS MUTANDIS (IRE) second, GABRIAL (IRE) third, ABSEIL (USA) fourth, TREASURE THE RIDGE (IRE) fifth and MIRSAALE sixth. The Panel also ordered that all the prize money paid out be repaid as the BHA directs.
Notes to Editors:
1. The Panel for the enquiry was: Philip Curl (Chair), Celina Carter, Edward Dorrell.
