By Pippa Cuckson
10:30PM GMT 11 Mar 2014
The International Equestrian Federation is to reopen an investigation into allegations that HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, rode a “ringer” in the winning UAE team at the 2012 World Endurance Championships. The IEF is acting on fresh evidence given to it by The Daily Telegraph.
The FEI’s Equine Community Integrity Unit was passed the material after rumours about the true identity of Sheikh Hamdan’s team gold medallist, Marmoog, resurfaced last week.
The FEI revealed that Marmoog had been investigated soon after the 100-mile world-title ride at Euston Park, Suffolk, but the ECIU reported that “available evidence was not considered sufficient for further action”.
[More ...]
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Monday, March 10, 2014
UAE: DSC adapt triathlon disciplines for the desert
Gulfnews.com - Full Article
Swimming makes way for endurance riding in April 19 event
By Ashley Hammond Staff Reporter
Published: 18:48 March 10, 2014Gulf News
Dubai: Organisers of the inaugural Dubai Desert Triathlon believe they may have stumbled across an exciting new concept.
On April 19, more than 200 participants are expected to take part in a first-of-its-kind event, which replaces the swimming stage of a traditional triathlon with endurance horse-riding.
A 25km loop of Dubai International Endurance City (DIEC) on horseback will be followed by a 25km cycling stage at the nearby Al Qudra cycling track and a five-kilometre run through the desert...
Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/dsc-adapt-triathlon-disciplines-for-the-desert-1.1302070
Swimming makes way for endurance riding in April 19 event
By Ashley Hammond Staff Reporter
Published: 18:48 March 10, 2014Gulf News
Dubai: Organisers of the inaugural Dubai Desert Triathlon believe they may have stumbled across an exciting new concept.
On April 19, more than 200 participants are expected to take part in a first-of-its-kind event, which replaces the swimming stage of a traditional triathlon with endurance horse-riding.
A 25km loop of Dubai International Endurance City (DIEC) on horseback will be followed by a 25km cycling stage at the nearby Al Qudra cycling track and a five-kilometre run through the desert...
Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/dsc-adapt-triathlon-disciplines-for-the-desert-1.1302070
AERC Notice to FEI Motion passes at AERC Convention
Sunday March 9 2014
After much lively discussion at the AERC Convention in Atlanta, Georgia this past weekend, the AERC Notice to FEI Motion passed unanimously by the Board of Directors.
According to Director at Large Randy Eiland, "The Motion establishes AERC's official statement on the abuses of equines, rules, and also the lack of transparency in reports on fatalities and catastrophic injuries. It removes the threat to our own innocent AERC members (AERC-I) but does include a strong consideration to investigate the formation of a new international competition association with like minded federations if FEI doesn't show measurable progress in resolving the issues in some Region VII countries and with some FEI Officials.
"I believe this statement will be well received by the international community in Europe and other continents - it will help shore up and supports their condemnations of the wrongdoing and it gives our membership a moment to be proud of AERC for taking an official stand on the issue (the first time in memory)."
MOTION PROPOSAL
Motion Name: AERC NOTICE TO FEI
Proposing Committee: SPONSORSHIP
Date of Motion: PASSED AT ANNUAL BOD MEETING – MARCH 9, 2014
Motion:
In order to address the growing alarm among AERC members that mounting drug violations and fatalities and fractures in international endurance riding conducted in some Region VII Countries by the FEI are injuring the reputation of our sport worldwide, the AERC shall immediately notify the FEI, through USEF, in writing of:
1) The AERC’s grave concerns that drug violations and horse fatalities and fractures are excessive in FEI endurance events by some participants from Region VII countries, that the flat courses and high speeds characteristic of FEI international rides contribute to horse injuries increasingly similar in severity and frequency to those occurring in flat track racing, that some FEI officials inadequately enforce the FEI’s own rules, and that the administration of FEI events favors certain competitors and member countries over others.
2) The AERC’s intention to consider joining the exploration with like-minded endurance groups in other countries of the formation of a new international organization to conduct international endurance riding events if the FEI does not demonstrate measurable progress towards addressing the AERC’s concerns by January 1, 2015. Measurable progress would include, but not be limited to, greater transparency in public reporting of fatalities and fractures occurring at or associated with FEI endurance rides.
The AERC looks forward to working with the USEF to prepare a joint response to the ESPG Report that meets both organizations’ interests. The AERC’s International Committee is directed to monitor and evaluate the FEI’s progress towards meeting the AERC’s concerns. The AERC’s International Committee is also directed to prepare periodic reports to the AERC Board who will determine yearly if meaningful and measurable progress is being made. The AERC shall continue to support the efforts of the USEF to improve the FEI’s conduct of international endurance riding and shall remain affiliated with USEF.
After much lively discussion at the AERC Convention in Atlanta, Georgia this past weekend, the AERC Notice to FEI Motion passed unanimously by the Board of Directors.
According to Director at Large Randy Eiland, "The Motion establishes AERC's official statement on the abuses of equines, rules, and also the lack of transparency in reports on fatalities and catastrophic injuries. It removes the threat to our own innocent AERC members (AERC-I) but does include a strong consideration to investigate the formation of a new international competition association with like minded federations if FEI doesn't show measurable progress in resolving the issues in some Region VII countries and with some FEI Officials.
"I believe this statement will be well received by the international community in Europe and other continents - it will help shore up and supports their condemnations of the wrongdoing and it gives our membership a moment to be proud of AERC for taking an official stand on the issue (the first time in memory)."
MOTION PROPOSAL
Motion Name: AERC NOTICE TO FEI
Proposing Committee: SPONSORSHIP
Date of Motion: PASSED AT ANNUAL BOD MEETING – MARCH 9, 2014
Motion:
In order to address the growing alarm among AERC members that mounting drug violations and fatalities and fractures in international endurance riding conducted in some Region VII Countries by the FEI are injuring the reputation of our sport worldwide, the AERC shall immediately notify the FEI, through USEF, in writing of:
1) The AERC’s grave concerns that drug violations and horse fatalities and fractures are excessive in FEI endurance events by some participants from Region VII countries, that the flat courses and high speeds characteristic of FEI international rides contribute to horse injuries increasingly similar in severity and frequency to those occurring in flat track racing, that some FEI officials inadequately enforce the FEI’s own rules, and that the administration of FEI events favors certain competitors and member countries over others.
2) The AERC’s intention to consider joining the exploration with like-minded endurance groups in other countries of the formation of a new international organization to conduct international endurance riding events if the FEI does not demonstrate measurable progress towards addressing the AERC’s concerns by January 1, 2015. Measurable progress would include, but not be limited to, greater transparency in public reporting of fatalities and fractures occurring at or associated with FEI endurance rides.
The AERC looks forward to working with the USEF to prepare a joint response to the ESPG Report that meets both organizations’ interests. The AERC’s International Committee is directed to monitor and evaluate the FEI’s progress towards meeting the AERC’s concerns. The AERC’s International Committee is also directed to prepare periodic reports to the AERC Board who will determine yearly if meaningful and measurable progress is being made. The AERC shall continue to support the efforts of the USEF to improve the FEI’s conduct of international endurance riding and shall remain affiliated with USEF.
Sunday, March 09, 2014
United States threatens breakaway in row over endurance horse racing
Telegraph.co.uk - Full Article
The United States governing body has voted to attempt to withdraw from the International Equestrian Federation if a clean-up of the sport does not prove successful this year.
By Pippa Cuckson
Mar 2014
The United States, who can claim to have invented equestrian endurance, have unanimously voted to form a breakaway global governing body if the International Equestrian Federation cannot prove its clean-up in the Middle East is effective this year.
This damning indictment of the FEI’s handling of the endurance crisis comes just seven weeks before the FEI votes on whether Princess Haya, whose husband Sheikh Mohammed’s stables are at the centre of the controversy, should have the option of a third term as FEI president.
The American Endurance Ride Conference resolved to invite other major players to form an alternative international body “if the FEI does not demonstrate measurable progress towards addressing the AERC’s concerns by January 1, 2015”...
Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/equestrianism/10686997/United-States-threatens-breakaway-in-row-over-endurance-horse-racing.html
The United States governing body has voted to attempt to withdraw from the International Equestrian Federation if a clean-up of the sport does not prove successful this year.
By Pippa Cuckson
Mar 2014
The United States, who can claim to have invented equestrian endurance, have unanimously voted to form a breakaway global governing body if the International Equestrian Federation cannot prove its clean-up in the Middle East is effective this year.
This damning indictment of the FEI’s handling of the endurance crisis comes just seven weeks before the FEI votes on whether Princess Haya, whose husband Sheikh Mohammed’s stables are at the centre of the controversy, should have the option of a third term as FEI president.
The American Endurance Ride Conference resolved to invite other major players to form an alternative international body “if the FEI does not demonstrate measurable progress towards addressing the AERC’s concerns by January 1, 2015”...
Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/equestrianism/10686997/United-States-threatens-breakaway-in-row-over-endurance-horse-racing.html
UAE: Marri guides Castle Jumeirah to Endurance Cup victory
Khaleejtimes.com - Full Article
9 March 2014
11-year-old Arabian mare dominates at Emirates Int’l Village
Abdulla Ghanim Al Marri, on board 11-year-old Arabian mare Castle Jumeirah did everything right to land the Shaikh Zayed bin Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup — For Private Own Horses, CEN 100-km Endurance Ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village here on Saturday.
The brilliant rider advanced at the ride time to lead in the crucial stages of the grueling race and land the trophy in great style.
The race was attended by Shaikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy National Security Advisor and Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; and a number of Shaikhs and top officials.
The winner covered the distance in 03:44:00 seconds at an average speed of 26.788 km/hour, followed on his heels by Saeed Ahmad Al Harbi and behind them came Ali Ghanim Obaid Al Ali.
Al Marri walked away with the major share of the Dh500,000 prize-money plus a car and Rolex watch...
Read more here:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/sport/inside_sport.asp?xfile=/data/horseracing/2014/March/horseracing_March13.xml§ion=horseracing
9 March 2014
11-year-old Arabian mare dominates at Emirates Int’l Village
Abdulla Ghanim Al Marri, on board 11-year-old Arabian mare Castle Jumeirah did everything right to land the Shaikh Zayed bin Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup — For Private Own Horses, CEN 100-km Endurance Ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village here on Saturday.
The brilliant rider advanced at the ride time to lead in the crucial stages of the grueling race and land the trophy in great style.
The race was attended by Shaikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy National Security Advisor and Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; and a number of Shaikhs and top officials.
The winner covered the distance in 03:44:00 seconds at an average speed of 26.788 km/hour, followed on his heels by Saeed Ahmad Al Harbi and behind them came Ali Ghanim Obaid Al Ali.
Al Marri walked away with the major share of the Dh500,000 prize-money plus a car and Rolex watch...
Read more here:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/sport/inside_sport.asp?xfile=/data/horseracing/2014/March/horseracing_March13.xml§ion=horseracing
Bahrain: Shaikha Najla claims title in Shaikh Nasser endurance ride
Gulf-daily-news.com - Full Article
Sunday, March 09, 2014
BAHRAINI rider Shaikha Najla'a bint Salman Al Khalifa of Ahmed Al Fateh stables won the Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa Endurance Championship at Bahrain International Endurance Village yesterday.
She finished in 4:58:15 hours with an average speed of 26 kmph...
Read more here:
http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=372179
Sunday, March 09, 2014
BAHRAINI rider Shaikha Najla'a bint Salman Al Khalifa of Ahmed Al Fateh stables won the Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa Endurance Championship at Bahrain International Endurance Village yesterday.
She finished in 4:58:15 hours with an average speed of 26 kmph...
Read more here:
http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=372179
Saturday, March 08, 2014
FEI clarifies procedures in anti-doping cases
FEI PRESS RELEASE
Lausanne (SUI), 7 March 2014
FEI clarifies procedures in anti-doping cases
In response to recent discussions in the equestrian community about the length of time that FEI anti-doping cases may take to prosecute, the FEI is keen to clarify its procedures.
“It is the FEI’s role to ensure the full integrity of competition and fair play, while at the same time ensuring that the rights of the athlete are fully protected,” FEI Secretary General Ingmar De Vos said.
“As an international governing body, the FEI cannot allow that athletes would ever be condemned or sanctioned without having the proper opportunities to defend themselves. It is of course regrettable, on every level, whenever there is a positive finding, but the FEI has to follow due process in the interest of all parties involved.”
Following the confirmation of a positive sample, it is the FEI’s duty to prove to the Tribunal that there has been a violation of the Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations (EADCMR). A positive finding is simply the start of the process.
In the event of a provisional suspension being imposed following a positive finding, the Person Responsible (PR) can apply at any time for a preliminary hearing to request lifting of the provisional suspension.
The PR has the right to contest the positive finding, including challenging the sample collection and analysis procedures to the Tribunal. The PR also has the right to provide an explanation for the presence of the prohibited substance in order to reduce or eliminate the applicable sanction.
The finding whether there has been a rule violation can only be made once the case has been heard by the Tribunal. It is only when the Tribunal confirms in its Final Decision that there is a rule violation that the automatic disqualification from the competition can be applied. Other sanctions may also be imposed by the Tribunal.
The FEI is a signatory to the WADA Code and has to respect the WADA principles, which include the right to a fair hearing. All parties involved have to be given time to prepare their submissions in order to properly defend themselves. Signatories to the WADA Code apply the same principles, and sports involving animals have to be consistent with the WADA Code.
FEI media contacts:
Grania Willis
Director Press Relations
grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42
Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45
Lausanne (SUI), 7 March 2014
FEI clarifies procedures in anti-doping cases
In response to recent discussions in the equestrian community about the length of time that FEI anti-doping cases may take to prosecute, the FEI is keen to clarify its procedures.
“It is the FEI’s role to ensure the full integrity of competition and fair play, while at the same time ensuring that the rights of the athlete are fully protected,” FEI Secretary General Ingmar De Vos said.
“As an international governing body, the FEI cannot allow that athletes would ever be condemned or sanctioned without having the proper opportunities to defend themselves. It is of course regrettable, on every level, whenever there is a positive finding, but the FEI has to follow due process in the interest of all parties involved.”
Following the confirmation of a positive sample, it is the FEI’s duty to prove to the Tribunal that there has been a violation of the Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations (EADCMR). A positive finding is simply the start of the process.
In the event of a provisional suspension being imposed following a positive finding, the Person Responsible (PR) can apply at any time for a preliminary hearing to request lifting of the provisional suspension.
The PR has the right to contest the positive finding, including challenging the sample collection and analysis procedures to the Tribunal. The PR also has the right to provide an explanation for the presence of the prohibited substance in order to reduce or eliminate the applicable sanction.
The finding whether there has been a rule violation can only be made once the case has been heard by the Tribunal. It is only when the Tribunal confirms in its Final Decision that there is a rule violation that the automatic disqualification from the competition can be applied. Other sanctions may also be imposed by the Tribunal.
The FEI is a signatory to the WADA Code and has to respect the WADA principles, which include the right to a fair hearing. All parties involved have to be given time to prepare their submissions in order to properly defend themselves. Signatories to the WADA Code apply the same principles, and sports involving animals have to be consistent with the WADA Code.
FEI media contacts:
Grania Willis
Director Press Relations
grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42
Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45
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