Nikas, first past the post in the 2015 Velka Pardubicka, was subsequently disqualified when banned substances theobromine and caffeine were found in samples of his body fluids. Since that time, the supplier of his foodstuffs, Troubecké hospodářské, and the owner, Petr Kupka, the trainer, Stanislav Popelka, and the jockey, Marek Stromský have been engaged in negotiations.

An out-of-court settlement has at last been reached, under which Troubecké hospodářské will pay out CzK 2 300 000. Of this, Stromský will receive CzK 240 000 and Popelka will receive CzK 350 000. The agreement was approved yesterday in the court in Přérov.

The winner’s prize for the 2015 Velka Pardubicka would have been CzK 2 000 000, so the owner, jockey and trainer will receive more or less what they would have received as race winners.

The main consideration is that this settlement should draw a line under this wretched affair, and should allow all parties to get on with their lives.