Princess Haya husband in doping scandal

alt April 7 - The husband of Princess Haya (pictured), the president of the world equestrian governing body, has reported himself to the organisation after two of his horses tested positive for banned drugs.

Sheik Mohammed, the ruler of Dubai, said he was unaware of the doping but accepts full responsibility.

The drug use came to light following testing by his staff after endurance races this year in Bahrain and Dubai.

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) said it is investigating.

The Princess has led a campaign for a drug-free sport and will step aside from her official duties when the governing body considers the case.

Her husband is one of the world's leading breeders and owners of thoroughbred race horses.

The case is likely to go before the federation's seven-man tribunal, which has the power to impose a suspension.

A statement released by the Emirate said: "Whilst completely unaware and utterly condemning the administration of these substances,

"His Highness has volunteered his acceptance that he is legally the person responsible."

His horse Tahhan tested positive for guanabenz - used to treat hypertension - after competing in 75-mile races at Bahrain in January and Dubai in February.

After the Bahrain race, the horse also had traces of 16b-hydroxy-stanozolol, a metabolite of stanozolol, an anabolic steroid used to build muscle and increase production of oxygen-carrying red blood cells.

It was used legally on 2008 Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown, but also by disgraced Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson during the 100 metres final at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

alt Sheik Mohammed (pictured) had his staff inform the federation when told of the positive cases and instructed his race results be voided, according to the Dubai statement.