Winner of Velká pardubická to be disqualified over doping

The winner of October’s Velká pardubická steeplechase, Nikas, is set to be disqualified over doping. A second analysis of the horse’s blood found that it contained the banned alkaloids theobromine and caffeine. The latest results have confirmed a positive drugs test on Nikas on 11 October, the day of the race. The Czech Jockey Club will now make a definitive ruling on disqualifying the horse, which was ridden by Marek Stromský. It will be the first such ruling in the 125-year history of the race. Nikas’s trainer, Stanislav Popelka, on Tuesday denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the banned substances had been in its feed.

Author: Ian Willoughby