By Kathy Smith 

The International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) announced on October 9, 2023, that it has suspended Eric Lamaze for four years because of his submission of fabricated documents in relation to his alleged cancer treatment. The fake medical documents were submitted as part of an ongoing Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) proceeding dealing with Lamaze’s refusal to submit a sample for drug-testing at an FEI show jumping competition in 2021. Believing the documents to be authentic, Tim Danson, former attorney for Lamaze, submitted them to the FEI while he still represented Lamaze. 

In a statement on October 9, 2023, the FEI announced: “The Athlete has committed an anti-doping rule violation under ADRHA Article 2.5 (tampering), due to the submission of fabricated medical documents during an ongoing Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) Proceeding. In accordance with ADRHA Article 8.3.2, the athlete was deemed to have waived a hearing, admitted the violation, and accepted the proposed Consequences because he did not respond to the charge. 

“Given the absence of any mitigating circumstances, the athlete shall be subject to a period of ineligibility of four years (12/09/2023 to 11/09/2027). He is furthermore subject to a fine of 15,000 Swiss Francs, [approx. $22,500 CAD] and shall be required to reimburse the FEI its legal costs in pursuing the matter. 

“The athlete, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and the Athlete’s National Anti-Doping Organization (the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport) each have the right to appeal the decision to the CAS within 21 days of receipt of the decision. Further detail regarding this matter will follow upon the conclusion of the ongoing CAS proceedings.”   

- With files from FEI, Chronicle of the Horse

Photo: Robin Duncan Photography