Waterford Crystal blood sample available for tests in New York

The Equestrian Federation of Ireland has announced that the blood portion of the ‘B’ sample taken from the horse ridden by Ireland’s Olympic gold medallist, Cian O’Connor, is still available for testing and will be tested in New York rather than Hong Kong.

Earlier this week, it emerged that a portion of the ‘B’ sample had been stolen while being delivered to England for testing, but the missing portion contains only the urine test and a blood sample remains available for analysis.

The EFI said the news was delivered to Mr O’Connor’s solicitors last night by the Federation Equestre Internationale, which said it had been “denied the possibility” of having the analysis performed in Hong Kong.

The reason for the change (of testing venue, from Hong Kong to New York) was not disclosed.

The ‘A’ sample taken from Waterford Crystal has already tested positive for banned substances. Reports yesterday said the substances were believed to be drugs normally reserved for treating human ailments.

Mr O’Connor is continuing to protest his innocence and has accused unnamed people of trying to destroy his name, his reputation and his business.