The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) has announced an adverse analytical finding involving prohibited substances in a Jordanian endurance horse.

Samples taken at the 80km CEI*1 in Amman, Jordan, on May 21, from Obama Al Aswad—who placed second with rider Nayef Al Fayez—have returned positive for the banned substance boldenone and the controlled medications dexamethasone, meloxicam, phenylbutazone, and oxyphenbutazone (a metabolite of phenylbutazone).

Boldenone, an anabolic steroid, is a banned substance under the FEI’s Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations. The corticosteroid dexamethasone is used to treat inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, while the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs meloxicam, phenylbutazone, and its metabolite oxyphenbutazone are used for pain relief.

The athlete has been provisionally suspended from the date of notification (June 20). The horse has also been provisionally suspended for a two-month period