Kürten two-month ban comes into effect despite late appeal

THE two-month suspension imposed by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) on Jessica Kürten after the horse Castle Forbes Maike tested positive for a banned medication came into effect today, despite the show jumper issuing a 12th-hour appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

However, it could be lifted on Monday or Tuesday, when CAS will adjudicate on Kürten’s request to have it set aside as she appeals against the FEI punishment.

CAS confirmed yesterday that it had received her appeal, but it seems the world’s number two show jumper left it too late, with CAS saying it would not decide until Monday or Tuesday on her request to have the suspension stopped, while it allowed the FEI time to formulate a response.

The failure of CAS to set aside the suspension is an embarrassment for the German-based Antrim woman, who was at a show in Gelderland, the Netherlands, when the FEI said the suspension would commence today as had been outlined 30 days previously when its tribunal found against Kürten.

In a statement, the federation said: “The FEI has until Monday, 14h00 Swiss time, to submit a written reply to CAS. Until such as decision is taken, Jessica Kürten is suspended from taking part in any international events starting from June 7. Any participation without authorisation will lead to disqualification. The rider and her national federation have been informed.”

The two-month suspension was imposed by the FEI on Kürten after the mare Maike tested positive for etoricoxib a year ago at La Baule, France, where the current world number two rider won the grand prix. The substance is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and is considered a minor infringement, with the FEI initially offering Kürten the option of a fine of 750 Swiss francs and forfeiture of her 22,000 grand prix prize.

However, she waived the option, as to do otherwise would have meant accepting culpability.

Recently, Kürten opted not to make herself available for the Olympics, though it was her performances that had garnered Ireland’s sole individual show jumping slot.

In eventing, Ireland’s Steven Smith went into second place at Braham Horse Trials in England after the conclusion of dressage. Riding Quality VH, the Northerner scored 44.4 penalties when the last competitor to go, just 0.1 behind leader Tracy Garside and Dunauger.

The cross-country takes place today, followed by show jumping tomorrow and a good result will enhance Smith’s prospects of making Ireland’s Olympics squad.