Huddersfield rider Michael Whitaker hit by ban as horse fails drugs test

Jun 30 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

FOUR-time British Olympian Michael Whitaker has been suspended after a positive drugs test on his horse.

The 49-year-old Huddersfield rider has been provisionally banned after his horse Tackeray failed a test for altrenogest in competition at La Baule, France, last month.

Whitaker, a silver medallist at the 1984 Olympics, was a member of the British team for Beijing until his late withdrawal because of an injury to his horse Portofino.

After a preliminary hearing on Friday, Whitaker had to withdraw from the Global Champions show in Monte Carlo, as well as missing the Hickstead Derby, where his intended ride, Animation II, finished third ridden by nephew William Whitaker, 19.

Takeray was found to have traces of altrenogest, a hormone found in Regumate which can legally be administered to in-season mares, but not male horses, because of its calming effects.

The British Show Jumping Association has not issued any statements on the matter, but reports suggest Whitaker says there was a mix-up with a feed meant for his mare, Portofino.

A date has not been set for the full hearing, but the likely ban will exclude Whitaker from Britain’s team for the European championship at Windsor in August.