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.