This just in from the Federation Equestrian Internationale (FEI):

The FEI Legal Department received today the analysis report from the Laboratoire des Courses Hippiques in Paris which confirms the presence of reserpine, a substance prohibited in competition under FEI rules, in the “B” sample of the horse Air Jordan Z, ridden by Daniel Deusser at the FEI World Cup (TM) Jumping Finals in Las Vegas on 19-22 April 2007. Daniel Deusser finished second.

Under the FEI’s Equine Anti-Doping rules, the FEI Investigating Body (composed of its Veterinary and Legal Departments) are responsible to conduct follow-up investigations which may be required following the receipt of test results. Based on a number of factors related to the testing procedure and integrity of the samples in this case, the Investigating Body has determined that it cannot assert that a rule was violated in this case, and the rider has been informed accordingly.

Under the FEI’s Equine Anti-Doping rules, which were adopted last year further to the recommendations of an FEI Task Force on Anti-Doping and Medication Policy and within the framework of the World Anti-Doping Code, the FEI must meet a specified standard of proof when alleging a doping violation, in order to safeguard the rights of athletes. Issues that concern the integrity of blood or urine samples can prove material to whether this standard can be met.

The FEI does not, as a matter of policy, announce the existence of positive test results until it has received and assessed the results of the confirmatory (“B”) analysis and determined that they confirm the presence of a prohibited substance, or the rider has waived the right to such an analysis. Unfortunately, news of the positive test result in this case became public through third parties.

Blogger’s Note: Reserpine is a common sedative used in horses because of its long-acting properties. “Serp” is also one of the most commonly found prohibited substances.