Analysis of the B sample from Bingo S, a borrowed horse ridden by Maxime Livio of France at a jumping event in Thailand last November, has failed to confirm the initial positive result.

The A sample taken from the gelding at the CSI*-W in Pattaya in November 2014 tested positive for the banned substance testosterone, but confirmatory analysis on the B sample conducted has not upheld the original result.

Testosterone, a naturally occurring hormone found in high levels in stallions and considerably reduced levels in geldings and mares, is one of seven threshold substances on the Fédération Equestre Internationale Equine Prohibited Substances List. The B sample analysis for Bingo S confirmed the presence of testosterone, but not beyond the threshold level applicable for geldings.

Livio, who has been provisionally suspended since the date of notification of the positive on Feb. 16, has now been cleared to compete. The horse, which was on a two-month suspension due to expire on April 15, has also been reinstated for competition and the case has been dropped by the FEI. 

“It is rare that the B sample doesn’t confirm the A sample, but it proves that our system works and that the checks and balances put in place to protect the athlete function correctly,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Zeender said.

“As with all other sports and as part of an in-built safety mechanism, the athlete has the right to request confirmatory analysis of the B sample. As this has returned a negative result in this instance, the case against Maxime Livio is dropped.” 

A separate, earlier case involving Maxime Livio, whose horse Qalao des Mers tested positive for a metabolite of the controlled medication substance Acepromazine at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy (FRA) on Aug. 29, is ongoing.