British showjumper Michael Whitaker is now eligible for Olympic Games selection after a successful appeal over a doping issue.
Last June, Whitaker's stallion, Tackeray, tested positive to traces of altrenogest, a synthetic hormone, at an event in France. It is found in the product Regumate, which can be given legally to mares. It is used to modify estrous-related behaviours that interfere with performance. Whitaker said at the time that there was a mix-up with a feed that was meant for his top mare, Portofino.
At the time, Whitaker, 50, was suspended from competition for four months from June 25, 2009 by the FEI tribunal. In accordance with the British Olympic Association's Eligibility Bylaw, the positive result to Tackeray also mean Whitaker was automatically rendered ineligible for Team GB selection at future Olympic Games.
As well as the ban, Whitaker's fine amounted to £1362 including costs.
The British Olympic Association (BOA) confirmed yesterday that Whitaker's eligibility for Team GB selection has been restored following a successful appeal under the BOA's Eligibility Byelaw.
The case was considered by the BOA Appeals Panel, chaired by Nicholas Stewart QC, and Whitaker's appeal was based on the grounds that the doping offence was minor, and/or significant mitigating circumstances existed in relation to the offence.
The panel said the offence could not be regarded as minor, but it allowed the appeal on the grounds of significant mitigating circumstances. It recognised that Whitaker was "not personally negligent or at fault in relation to any systems, instructions or delegation about which he could have been expected to do anything more."
It also noted that there was no reasonable basis for concluding that Whitaker (or his groom) deliberately administered the prohibited substance, and thus the substance did not enter the horse's body with any intent to enhance performance.
Whitaker has competed at four Olympic Games, winning a silver medal in the team event at the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games. He has also competed in four World Championships and twelve European Championships. He had no previous doping violations.
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