On 9 December 2017, Endurance rider, Daiana Chopita competed in the CE11* 100 on horse JC Cahuel. On 23 December 2017, endurance rider, Waad Nadim Bou Moghlbay, participated in the CEI2* 120 on horse JLB Noche.  Ms Chopita also competed on another horse, HLP Gadafi.

Samples taken from the three UAE registered horses, namely JC Cahuel, JLB Noche and HLP Gadafi following their respective events revealed the presence of Trometamol, a Banned Substance listed on the 2017 FEI Equine Prohibited Substances List.  Both riders were provisionally suspended on 9 and 10 January 2018 respectively as the Person Responsible.

Following an investigation, it was established that the source of the Trometamol found in the horses’ samples was a supplement that contained Trometamol as an unlisted and inactive ingredient (alkalizing agent)– which Ms Chopita and Ms Bou Moghlbay could not have known about.

Morgan Sports Law subsequently submitted a request to the FEI List Group that the classification of Trometamol be revised to a Controlled Medication (rather than a Banned Substance).  This request was accepted by the FEI List Group and was later approved by the FEI Bureau, meaning that as of 1 January 2019 Trometamol will be reclassified as a Controlled Medication (subject to acceptance by the National Federations).

In light of the reclassification, Morgan Sports Law reached a settlement agreement with the FEI that meant Ms Chopita and Ms Bou Moghlbay would serve a backdated six-month period of ineligibility (instead of a possible 2 years).

This agreement has been ratified by the FEI Tribunal and incorporated into a Final Decision, meaning that both riders are immediately free to return to competition.