O’Connor’s solicitor tightens security

CIAN O’CONNOR’S solicitor has tightened security at his Naas office following the extraordinary break-in at the headquarters of the Equestrian Federation of Ireland.

Andrew Coonan said he had asked gardaí "to keep an eye on the place" following the robbery at the EFI office in Goffs, Kill, Co Kildare in the early hours of yesterday morning.

It is understood important files linked to the Olympic showjumping champion, contained in a cabinet, were taken from the EFI's temporary offices in the raid.

The break-in came a day after it emerged a crucial 'B' urine sample taken from Cian O'Connor's Olympic-winning horse Waterford Crystal in Athens had been stolen, throwing the confirmation process into doubt. Mr O'Connor had demanded confirmation tests after an initial test showed the horse was positive for a sedative while competing in the Athens Olympics.

RTÉ yesterday claimed it had evidence to show Waterford Crystal had tested positive for sedatives Flufenazine and Zuclopenthixol which are commonly used in humans to treat anxiety and serious mental illness.

A bulletin issued by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) on October 7 said these tranquillisers were not to be used in horses and they were clearly attempts to manipulate performance via medication.

Pharmacologist Dr Martin Henman of Trinity College Dublin said the drugs could be used to treat "severe anxiety and agitation" in horses.

EFI president Avril Doyle said since an appeal process was still under way she could not comment on the revelations. She said it was in no one's interests including Cian O'Connor for the sample to go missing and for the EFI's offices to be broken into.

But she said she had a good idea in whose interest it was, but could not comment any further.

She said it was her understanding police in Paris are to launch their own investigation into the Paris lab from where the 'B' sample was dispatched to Fordham.

Gardaí believe the thieves were not opportunistic robbers and knew exactly where to go and where the specific files were being kept. It is believed that, apart from the files, nothing else was taken.

While there were no cameras covering the offices, gardaí are examining CCTV cameras in nearby offices and at the main entrance to Goffs.

Officers will investigate whether there is any link with the theft of the B sample and will coordinate with police in Britain, Switzerland and France, who are investigating the missing sample. Meanwhile, Mr Coonan said the witnessing analyst working on their behalf will fly to Hong Kong this morning to oversee the testing of the remainder of the B sample.

Laurent Bigler will fly from Switzerland this morning, still unaware as to whether the portion of the B sample to be tested this Friday is the blood sample or the urine sample.

Experts believe blood samples to be less reliable.