Like all sports, equestrian is also prone to doping controversies. With the involvement of friendly bovines in the sport, the impacts of such allegations can snowball into heavily denting results. Hence, staying clean can become pivotal for the riders and for their four-legged partners. However, not all situations pan out most desirably, as celebrity Jamaican rider Jason DaCosta can attest to.

DaCosta and his partner Poker Partner won last year’s Presque Isle Downs in style. However, because of post-race test complicacy, the win now stands disqualified and the rider may have to pay some hefty fines to compensate for the failed drug test.

In a recent Twitter post by the official BloodHorse account, the verdict against Jason has been shared, justifiably in a disappointed tone. “Trainer Jason DaCosta has been suspended 15 days after his runner Poker Partner tested positive for gabapentin last July in a post-race test at Presque Isle Downs.“, reads the post. The HISA (Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority) announced its decision on March 21.

The disqualification of the 3-year-old Poker Partner will also require his riders to forfeit the $18,000 they received as the prize money for winning the sixth race in the race from the July 18 event. While DaCosta’s illustrious career has seen him ride 469 winners over the years, the suspension will be enforced with maximum sanctions. Besides the 15-day suspension notice, the Jamaican equestrian rider will also cough up $1,000 fines. The suspension period will begin on March 22. While DaCosta looks to get back on his feet, he certainly isn’t the first rider to be slapped with such sanctions.

A long road ahead for a clean sport

In June last year, the equine world was shocked after Bahrain’s team was stripped of its gold medal won at the Endurance World Championship, in UAE (the race took place in February 2023). The failed dope test left the Federation with few options other than to disqualify the athlete and horse combination, along with an 18-month ban. In September last year, the HISA once again levied a staggering $100,000 fine and a 12-year suspension for rider Milton Pineda for doping issues. The list does not end there.

As Road to Paris 2024 Nears, Does Equestrian Sport Need to Jump off the Doping Bandwagon?

In the same week of September last year, trainer John Pimental was also handed a three-year suspension notice along with a $25,000 fine. Retired Canadian show jumper Eric Lamaze also was at the center of attention in 2021 after allegedly refusing to be tested for drugs. With the Olympics coming up, what do you think can put an end to such heartbreaking situations for the fans?

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