The Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club have suspended the license of trainer Mr. Hesham Al Haddad for three years following numerous violations of the club’s Rules of Racing.

Mr. Al Haddad has damaged the reputation of horseracing in the Kingdom of Bahrain by affecting the integrity of various race meetings through the systematic use of prohibited substances, and failing to meet his obligations as a trainer which deprives participants an opportunity to win on equal and legal merit.

A thorough review of the violations carried out by Mr. Al Haddad, established that he had failed to ensure his horses did not contain Prohibited Substances when racing. As a result, a total of 11 sampled horses, which at the time were listed as being in his care, throughout the 2022-2023 season returned adverse analytical results leading to their subsequent disqualification.

Investigation conducted by the Chief Steward, determined that as the licensed trainer, Mr. Al Haddad had failed to fulfil his responsibilities of daily care, upkeep, training, and security of the horses, and that these duties were in fact being carried out by someone else.

The regular use of performance altering prohibited substances along with the failure to carry out his duties as the licensed trainer, caused significant damage to the high standards of integrity in horseracing in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Consequently, the Stewards have taken appropriate action, which is consistent with the gravity of the violations committed.

Following an appeal made by Mr. Al Haddad on April 17, 2023, the REHC’s Appeal Body determined that the punishment imposed by the Stewards remains upstanding. The decision of the Appeal Body is final and binding, and as such they have endorsed the Steward’s decision to suspend Mr. Al Haddad’s trainers’ licence for a total of three years with immediate effect and he will not be able to reapply until his period of suspension has been completed.