In yet another example of the poor management of positive samples taken from horses at International competition, the CEO of the Australian Equestrian Federation has released the following release - the FEI need to look at their procedures as it is unfair to all concerned that these transgressions take such a long time to be resolved.

The following is from Franz Venhaus - CEO Australian Equestrian Federation

08 June 2005: Almost a year after the swab was taken, the FEI Judicial Committee announced its decision today in the Positive Medication Case 2004/31 Mr. Innocent / Tim Amitrano.

The Committee accepted that "the evidence presented raises significant doubt as to whether there was a deliberate attempt by the PR [Person Responsible - Tim Amitrano] to affect the performance of [Mr] Innocent. Under the applicable standard of proof of the balance of probabilities, the Judicial Committee is convinced that it is more likely than not that [Mr] Innocent's positive test result did not stem from a deliberate attempt to influence the performance of the horse and decides accordingly.

"The Judicial Committee has agreed that [Mr] Innocent and the PR must be disqualified from the event and that all prizes and prize money won at the event must be forfeited. Each of [Mr] Innocent and the PR are suspended for a period of 30 days, beginning 30 days following the date the notification of this decision is sent [or from the date the FEI is notified that the PR accepts the decision].

"In addition the PR is fined CHF 1,000 and is liable to pay CDF 750 for the confirmatory analysis. The PR would also contribute CHF 250 towards the costs of administering of this case, which is a reduced amount taking into consideration the time lag between event and decision.

"This decision is to be published."

Mr. Amitrano has 30 days to appeal this decision after which the sanctions will come into effect. If he accepts the decision, the sanctions come into effect from the date of notification in writing to the FEI..

Editors note: Thanks to Mr Venhaus for distributing this information so promptly - it certainly ensures that the jungle drums do not beat with misinformation - now we wait to see whether Mr Armitrano will appeal the decision....................