19 December 2014, Dubai, UAE ~ Emirates Racing Authority (ERA) Stewards  concluded an inquiry into reports received from the Equine Forensic Unit (Dubai) that the prohibited substance ibuprofen had been detected in the post-race urine samples taken from RAZEEN (FR) after a win in Sharjah on 1 November 2014,  and again for MELL DE PIBOUL (FR) after a second in the Yas Island Maiden at Abu Dhabi on 16 November 2014.

Evidence was taken from Mr. Oertel, the trainer of RAZEEN (FR) and MELL DE PIBOUL (FR), Veterinarian Dr. Louise Barbesgaard, Equine Forensic Unit Chief Analyst Dr. Peter Albert and ERA Head Veterinary Officer Dr. David Sykes during the inquiry.

Mr. Oertel pleaded guilty to two (2) charges under the provisions of ERA Rule of Racing 95AAA 2 in that he presented RAZEEN (FR) to race at Sharjah on 1 November 2014 and MELL DE PIBOUL (FR) at Abu Dhabi on 16 November 2014 which upon analysis of post-race urine samples were found to have had administered to them the prohibited substance ibuprofen.

Oertel pleaded guilty to both charges and can resume training on April 15, which is after the UAE season ends. The ban takes immediate effect.

This is the latest lengthy ban issued by the Emirates Racing Authority, who in March disqualified Abdullah Al Tamimi for eight-and-a-half months after diclofenac was found in the post-race urine sample of Serjaan.

Oertel has spearheaded the resurgent Al Asayl racing operation owned by Sheikh Khalifa, the President of the UAE, and he has topped the UAE trainers’ standings for the past two seasons.

Oertel maintains his innocence and intends to appeal his ban.

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