O’Connor hit by second horse doping scandal
Insisting that he was not a cheat, Mr O’Connor said the result of a test on his Rome mount, ABC Landliebe, had only arrived on the same day as the positive test result on his Olympics horse, Waterford Crystal.
Mr O’Connor, Ireland’s only Athens medallist, is likely to be stripped of his gold if a B test on Waterford Crystal is confirmed.
On the brink of tears, Mr O’Connor told RTÉ News sports reporter Colm Murray he was innocent of any wrongdoing and had done nothing to either horse to enhance their individual performances.
“I have done nothing wrong. ABC Landliebe got sick on the way to Rome and was treated for colic overnight in Munich. I believe that is why she failed the test,” he said.
In a statement later last night, Mr O’Connor said the international equestrian body, Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), had accepted the explanation and, although he had to forfeit his three winning classes in Rome, there would be no ban or suspension.
“While it is not the norm, it is also not unusual for horses from various categories of equestrian competition to test positive following a competition or race,” said Mr O’Connor.
He said tests were picking up on substances that had nothing to do with performance enhancement.
“This has to be clear: there is no malice on my part. In any case, I could not sedate a horse to go better - it does not make any sense. This was routine treatment for a horse recovering from an injury. This does not add up.”
Mr O’Connor said he had never been the subject of an official complaint.
“I have been involved in showjumping since I was 14 and the first time that this ever happened to me was on 30 July of this year when I was notified that my horse, Landliebe, gave a positive sample. I have never questioned or had cause to question the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) and their testing procedures and accepted fully their A sample test not withstanding that I was fully entitled to query this and ask for a B sample check.
“I merely gave the federation my explanation that the animal was treated for colic while in transit to Rome and stabled in Munich, out of my direct control, believing genuinely that this must have been the reason for the positive result.
“However, I was first notified on Thursday last, October 7, that my Olympic horse had tested positive, and at the exact same time I received from the FEI the final sanction regarding Landliebe, which was that she must forfeit the three classes she won in Rome, but that no ban or suspension was being issued. My vet, Mr Sheeran, had treated both horses with the same medication well over a month prior to competition.”
Mr O’Connor said he intends fighting the test results for both horses.
“I am jumping all over the world and I know the rules. I am not stupid. There is no way I would throw it all away by giving a horse a banned substance.”
