Gordon Elliott faces BHA disciplinary panel after Zanahiyr tests positive
Trainer Gordon Elliott
Zanahiyr faces disqualification from third place in last season's Champion Hurdle after testing positive for a prohibited substance.
An independent disciplinary panel of the British Horseracing Authority will consider on Wednesday whether his trainer Gordon Elliott is in breach of the post-January 4 2022 Rules of Racing due to the presence of a prohibited substance urine sample taken from Zanahiyr after the race on March 15.
Ridden by Jack Kennedy, the pair were beaten four and a lengths by Honeysuckle, with Epatante in second.
In fourth place and set to benefit from any disqualification was the Willie Mullins-trained Saint Roi, like Epatante owned by JP McManus.
If found guilty, Elliott could face a fine up to a maximum of £5,000, though a ten-year ban has not been ruled out.
A BHA statement read: "The independent Disciplinary Panel of the British Horseracing Authority will convene on Wednesday 8 February 2023 to hear the following referral…
"1. Whether or not Licensed Trainer and Responsible Person Mr Gordon ELLIOT is in breach of Rule (K)2.2 (Presence of a Category B Prohibited Substance)1 of the post-4 January 2022 Rules of Racing due to the presence of a Prohibited Substance (3-hydroxylidocaine) in a post-race urine sample taken from ZANAHIYR on 15th March 2022 following the 15:30 Unibet Handicap Hurdle Challenge Trophy over 2 miles and ½ furlong at Cheltenham racecourse.
"2. ZANAHIYR should be disqualified from the relevant race under Rule (L)47.4 (Disqualification of horses in races already run)2 because its post-race urine sample tested positive for a Prohibited Substance."
