Equestrian disciplinary offences – Prevent, analyse, defend

In equestrian sports and horse racing, disciplinary offences may relate to doping, but also to breaches of racing rules, FFE and FEI sporting regulations, incidents during competition, or unethical behaviour. These offences can result in severe penalties: suspension, fines, licence withdrawal or suspension. Inscio Avocats supports you in prevention, veterinary expertise and disciplinary defence before national and international bodies.

Equine doping – Prevention and veterinary expertise

Doping is sanctioned by the FEI, the FFE, France Galop and LeTROT and consists of administering substances prohibited by anti-doping regulations with a view to improving the horse’s performance.

These substances may be controlled substances (authorised outside competition) or prohibited substances (prohibited outside competition and during competition).

In addition, litigation relating to doping through accidental contamination has also developed over time, subject to being able to prove the origin of the contamination and having made every effort to avoid doping through contamination.

Our support:

  • Reading and monitoring lists of prohibited substances
  • Veterinary analysis of thresholds and possible causes
  • Defence before disciplinary bodies

Other disciplinary offences – Breaches and incidents during races and competitions

Disciplinary offences include breaches of the Racing and Sports Competition Code and punish behaviour that undermines sporting values, for example:

  • Incomplete or incorrect team declaration by the coach
  • Misconduct in races
  • Undeclared change of rider
  • Harm to equine welfare

Disciplinary procedures – Authorities and appeals

Procedures vary depending on jurisdiction:

  • FEI Tribunal: doping, abuse, rule violations
  • FFE Disciplinary Commission: infringements by licence holders, affiliated establishments, ethical breaches
  • France Galop / LeTROT: breaches of racing codes, incidents during races, veterinary breaches

Our firm can assist you with:

  • Defence before disciplinary bodies
  • Challenging the facts or the procedure
  • Appeals before appeal committees

Penalties incurred – sporting, administrative, financial

Penalties may include:

  • Licence suspension or competition ban
  • Fines
  • Disqualification of the horse and loss of winnings
  • Damage to professional reputation

 

Some penalties are suspended and may be revoked in the event of a repeat offence.