Another Irish equine tests positive
It is understood that problems with the paperwork and identifying the “person responsible” for the animal led to a delay in processing the case, which has not been completed.
An FEI spokesperson said the A sample taken from the animal had tested positive and, after a request for an extension was granted, the testing of the B sample had begun. “We are now waiting for the results of the B sample.”
The spokesperson would not identify if the sample was blood or urine.
As is the norm with current cases, the FEI would not disclose the identity of the animal, nor the “person responsible.” Neither would it disclose the name of the drug involved, though, it is understood to be a substance normally associated with equines.
There has been speculation among the Irish equestrian community in the past few weeks of another positive drug test. However, when questioned recently, the Equestrian Federation of Ireland said it could neither confirm nor deny its existence.
The FEI has set up a task force to examine the whole area of drug use in equines. Acknowledging that the welfare of the animal is paramount, the FEI recognises that competition equines are routinely treated for injuries.
Accordingly, for some substances, it has defined threshold levels. In fact, a rider can treat an animal at a show if the FEI official deems it will not afford the rider a competitive advantage or, for example, the treatment does not act as a masking agent. Strict procedures must be adhered to.
As part of its remit, the task force is looking at the establishment of withdrawal times for some equine medications. Also under scrutiny is the difference between medications used for the welfare of the horse that are still in the horses system during competition and substances that are deliberately used to enhance performance.
Irish Olympic champion Cian O’Connor is in the throes of a battle to keep his medal after his horse, Waterford Crystal, tested positive for human anti-psychotic drugs in Athens. Previously, his horse ABC Landliebe failed a drug test at a nations cup show in Rome.
Last week, show jumper Ludger Beerbaum lodged an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against his Olympic disqualification. His horse, Goldfever III, tested positive for a steroid used to treat a skin condition. If his appeal fails Germany will be demoted from gold position to bronze.
