The announcement confirming the finding of thiobromine and caffeine in the B sample for Nikas, first past the post in the 2015 Velka Pardubicka, was as expected. After all, a highly respected German laboratory had found these substances in the A samples for Nikas, and also for his stablemate, Čáriray.

Now, the 30-page report from the FEI laboratory in Newmarket, which was received by the Jockey Club on Friday, January 15th, will be studied by the Disciplinary Committee (Pořádková komise) and by the Horseracing Committee (Dostihová komise) of the Jockey Club. The Disciplinary Committee will decide what action is to be taken.

It is very clear from the rules of horseracing that a horse that has been drugged will be disqualified, and that the trainer is responsible for ensuring that his horses are not drugged.

At the press conference at the Hotel Paříž in Prague, Nikas’ trainer, Stanislav Popelka, made it clear that he will fight to clear his name. He has had analyses made of samples of fodstuffs supplied to him, and he intends to take the suppliers to court.

The Disciplinary Committee appears to be obliged to disqualify Nikas, and to hold trainer Stansilav Popelka responsble for the horse being drugged.

As far as the punishment for the trainer is concerned, the committee has plenty of freedom of action. Unfortunately, however, even a complete discharge and absolution for trainer Stanislav Popelka could not begin to make good the humiliation, suffering and sadness that he has undergone, and also owner, Petr Kupka, and jockey, Marek Stromský.

This has been a horrible affair.