First EPO case in UK is finalized

It has been reported that the first EPO (Erythropoietin – endurance drug) positive case has been discovered in the United Kingdom. The positive test came about on May 30, 2021. 

Here is the outcome of the testing as reported on the British Harness Racing Club (BHRC) website bhrc.org.uk under INTEGRITY UPDATE.

Evenwood Hustler, Appleby Spring Races, 30 May 2021

Having heard from legal representatives from both parties, the Chairman of the Independent External Disciplinary Panel of the BHRC hereby makes the following Order:

(1) On 30 May 2021, the horse Evenwood Hustler trained by Mr Matthew Quinn was the subject of an anti-doping control conducted by the BHRC.

(2) The sample of blood taken from Evenwood Hustler was subsequently sent for analysis and returned positive for peptides VNFYWK(T6) and VYSNFLR(T17), both of which are specifics of recombinant human erythropoietin and analogs (EPO) both of which are a Class 1 Category A prohibited substance identified in the Uniform Classification Guidelines.

PENALTIES
Mr Quinn has admitted breaches of Rules 1, 14 and 15 and as such:

• The horse Evenwood Hustler will be disqualified from races run on 30 May 2021 at Appleby Spring with ALL prize money forfeited and ALL handicap penalties incurred on the day be retained on the handicap allocated to the horse.

• In respect of the Rule 1 breach – immediate suspension of all Mr Quinn’s licenses (Category A) for a period of two years (from 9 Mar 2022- 9 Mar 2024) and a fine of £5,000 (the penalty range being £2,000-£5,000).

• Mr Quinn will not be entitled to any other form of license during his period of suspension, and Mr Quinn has agreed that any license held by Mr Quinn issued by any other governing body of harness racing will not be recognized by the BHRC in respect of harness racing that takes place within the BHRC’s jurisdiction during the period of his suspension.

• In respect of the Rule 14 breach – a fine of £3,000 (penalty range £1000-£3000).

• In respect of the Rule 15 breach – a fine of £1,000 (set fine £1000).

• The horse Evenwood Hustler will be suspended from running in any race for a period of one year from the date of this Order (9 Mar 2022) and will be subject to integrity testing by the BHRC at the cost of Mr Quinn (whether or not he is then the Responsible Person for the horse) prior to it being permitted to return to racing at the end of the period of the horse’s suspension.

• Mr Matthew Quinn to pay the sum of £1500 towards BHRC costs involved in relation to this matter.

• In addition, Mr Quinn has agreed to a good behavior bond which will run from the date of this Order (9 Mar 2022) and continue for a period of two years by which Mr Quinn has specifically agreed and undertaken that he will be bound by and will comply with all the obligations imposed on a license holder under the Rules and Regulations of the BHRC as to conduct and that he agrees that he will be subject to disciplinary proceedings as if he were a licensed person in the event of any alleged breach of the Rules and Regulations of the BHRC for a period of two years.

(With files from the BHRC)