SJAI to discuss O’Connor ban at April 26 meeting

WHEN is a not a ban? A rhetorical question, as by now most will know that Cian O’Connor can jump on the domestic circuit. The former Olympic gold medallist can do so, despite beginning his Federation Equestre Internationale-imposed three-month international suspension last Monday.

This anomaly occurs because the Equestrian Federation of Ireland, the Irish representative of the FEI, says it has no jurisdiction on the matter at national level. It points to the Show Jumping Association of Ireland (SJAI), who says it has no plans to suspend O’Connor.

Francis Connors has led the calls for a blanket suspension. Yesterday, he reiterated that the SJAI should ensure the ban is a global one.