The Swedish Trotting Association strongly criticizes the fact that the Danish trotting trainer Bo Westergaard can continue to compete despite a doping conviction

April 29, 2015: The Norwegian Trotting Association did an unannounced doping control in Westergaard’s stable. A total of three horses tested positive for dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), an anti-inflammatory agent with a 14-day withdrawal period. Bo Westergaard’s punishment: two years suspension from the sport of trotting due to doping. Westergaard was also banned from trotting tracks and stable areas. After a protracted process, the Norwegian Trotting Association finally sentenced the trainer to a two-year ban on September 13, 2016.

September 2017: Westergaard reissued his training license and was welcomed back by the Danish Trotting Association (DTC). Bo Westergaard obtained a license and built one of Denmark’s largest and most successful professional stables.

July 7, 2023: Bo Westergaard found himself in new trouble, this after the Norwegian criterium winner ID Exceptional tested positive in a doping test. According to the Danish committee DH Sport, it should apply to the sedative butorphanol, which also acts as a pain reliever.

July 17, 2023: Bo Westergaard stood up for an interview with Trav365 where he maintained his innocence, but at the same time was very understanding that people do not believe him with his history.

July 17, 2023: Several coaches, including David Persson, went out and criticized Westergaard and the regulations, this because he could continue to compete while waiting for the investigation’s answer, among other things in Sweden and at V75.

August 8, 2023: The so-called B sample was also positive. Despite this, Bo Westergaard can continue to compete with his horses both in Sweden and abroad pending further investigation.

September 11, 2023: Bo Westergaard competed in the USA in the WC race with the horse Get A Wish. The horse was treated with painkillers and anti-inflammatory preparations before the million run.

– Not against the rules, but it doesn’t look fun, said Flemming Winberg, chief veterinarian at Evidensia.

November 1, 2023: The Danish Trotting Association announced that the investigation has dragged on. The reason for that is that they want to collect more information to make the process legal.

November 24, 2023: The investigation has been completed by the committee established for the purpose and handed over to the Scandinavian Doping Committee. A final decision will be delayed further.

December 21, 2023: The verdict: Bo Westergaard was suspended for 2.5 years from all trotting sports and fined SEK 75,000. Westergaard immediately appealed the verdict.

January 2, 2024: Bo Westergaard appealed the verdict to the Danish Supreme Court and has been able to compete as usual with his horses while waiting for a definitive decision.

January 26, 2024: The Supreme Court confirms Bo Westergaard’s sentence to suspension for 2 years and six months and exclusion from the trot. Bo Westergaard announced that he is taking the case to civil court.

March 26, 2024: Trotting’s Supreme Court determined the punishment for Bo Westergaard. 2.5 year suspension and 75,000 Danish kroner in fines for doping.

March 29, 2024: Bo Westergaard sends out a press release in which he said that he would quit as trainer and driver: “I will stop as a trotting trainer in Aalborg when I finish the remaining work I started with my faithful horse owners. The downsizing of my coaching business is already underway and my family and I will quietly retire and leave the sport of trotting. The intention is that Nicklas Korfitsen will take over after us”.

April 19, 2024: Bo Westergaard changed his mind and announced that he intends to continue entering and running horses in competition.

Westergaard has chosen to pursue the case civilly. Something that gives him the opportunity to postpone the execution.

– I have decided to proceed with the exclusion verdict, and my lawyer will now submit the case for consideration in the district court. This also means that I can continue my training activities, he told travservice.dk.