‘Deep Heat’ horse product to blame for ban, claim HSI

An equestrian version of the popular 'Deep Heat' product commonly used by athletes is to blame for the suspension of Irish Olympic rider Denis Lynch's horse Lantinus, Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) has claimed today.

HSI was informed by the world equestrian governing body, the FEI, that Lantinus had tested positive for a banned substance and that as a result he would be suspended from taking part in tonight's Olympic show jumping final.

"Denis Lynch and HSI officials attended a preliminary hearing with the FEI a short time ago and were informed that the substance found in the horse was called capsaicin," said a HSI statement.

"At the tribunal the FEI indicated that this substance was an ingredient in some products in regular use. Subsequently it was identified by Denis Lynch as an ingredient in a product called 'Equi-block' used by him on his horse.

"Equi-block is a product used in similar circumstances to Deep Heat used on humans and Denis Lynch explained to the tribunal that he commonly applies Equiblock to the horse's lower back prior to exercise.

"Following this preliminary hearing today the FEI informed Denis Lynch that he remained suspended for tonight's competition.

"The FEI have subsequently confirmed that three other riders due to jump in tonight's final at Hong Kong have also been suspended as a result of the same substance being found in their horses.

"Horse Sport Ireland has confirmed that they submitted a urine sample from the horse to a voluntary screening testing process made available by the FEI on the horse's arrival in Hong Kong and the results of this test were negative.

"The horse has also been tested on numerous occasions, including following many of its recent victories, and has tested negative on all these occasions."