In an unusual case of horse doping, it has appeared that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has been banned from endurance racing for six months. His own wife, Princess Haya of Jordan, is president of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).

The ban appeared after the Dubai ruler's horse named Tahhan tested positive, in two two-star races, for a hypertension drug and the steroid stanozolol.

Further more, a sum of 4500 Swiss francs are required to be paid by Sheikh Mohammed in fines and legal costs, while a one year ban was handed out to the horse's trainer, Abdullah bin Huzaim, who admitted giving the horse drugs before the desert races at Bahrain and Dubai.

It should be noted that the person riding the horse in an event is responsible for any drug breaches under FEI rules; however, other support personnel may also be detained accountable if circumstances dictate.

"The FEI tribunal, comprising Patrick Boelens, Philip O'Connor and Erik Elstad, said in its decision that Tahhan competed in a 120km race in Sakhir, Bahrain, on January 10 this year and a 120km race in Dubai on February 28, in both cases ridden by the sheikh," said a source.