Finnish harness racing trainers banned and fined for doping violations

Finnish harness racing trainers Pertti Puikkonen and Mari Leinonen have been handed significant penalties, including competition bans and fines, for doping offenses. The Finnish Hippos, the national governing body for trotting, announced the sanctions following investigations into violations.

Mari Leinonen faces a two-year ban from racing and a 10,000 euro fine. The violation occurred when the horse Overhead Panel, trained by Leinonen, tested positive for cobalt above the international threshold in a urine sample. Cobalt can be used to increase EPO production, thereby boosting red blood cell count. Overhead Panel had won the Killerin Eliitti competition, with a prize of 15,000 euros, but this victory has now been voided. The horse is barred from competition until the prize money is returned.

Pertti Puikkonen has been given an 18-month ban and a 5,000 euro fine. His horse, Mellby Helios, tested positive for dexamethasone, a corticosteroid used to treat inflammation. Mellby Helios's win, worth 400 euros, has also been invalidated. The horse can return to racing once the prize money is repaid. Puikkonen also received a separate 300 euro fine for inadequate medication record-keeping.

In addition to these cases, the Finnish Hippos stated that four other doping-related cases are currently under investigation. The organization has not yet commented on the details or the individuals involved in these ongoing inquiries.