Doping taskforce to target show jumping horses

A global anti-doping task-force is to be set up to combat substance abuse in show jumping horses, it emerged today.

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) said drastic action was needed after four Olympic Gold medal winning horses tested positive for banned drugs, including one ridden by Irish hero Cian O’Connor.

Waterford Crystal was found to have traces of a human sedative in its first urine sample after the Athens Olympics. A blood test later confirmed the positive result.

Pilar de Borbon, FEI president, said the society was deeply concerned about the welfare of competition horses and the need to maintain fair play.

“The FEI is particularly disturbed about the current situation, as it reflects so badly on equestrian sport,” she said.

“The FEI has continually endeavoured to maintain a clean equestrian sport.”

Ms de Borbon told an FEI bureau meeting in Buenos Aires a quick and efficient system was needed to resolve doping controversies.

Under present FEI rules immediate and tough action cannot be taken over alleged misuse of medication in horses. Sample testing and legal procedures must be followed before sanctions can be imposed.

However, she admitted communication problems and “criminal activities” had complicated the Waterford Crystal case.

Bizarrely, a second urine sample from the horse was stolen from a British laboratory two weeks ago.

And a file on another of Mr O’Connor’s horses, ABC Landliebe, which tested positive in Rome last May, was stolen in a burglary at the Equestrian Federation of Ireland offices.

Out of 40 horses sampled at Athens 2004 there were four positive medication cases, with B samples all confirming the presence of banned substances.

Mr O’Connor said the banned sedatives Fluphenazine and Zuclophentixol discovered had absolutely no therapeutic or performance value whatsoever by the time the Games commenced.

His vet, James Sheeran, claimed the drugs were chosen to calm the animal during water therapy for injuries. Both drugs are used by mental health experts to treat patients.

The FEI said the task-force will review policies to eliminate abusive and illegal performance enhancing drugs and to review the general medication control of horses.

A number of recommendations regarding FEI medication control and anti-doping policy will be put to the 2005 general assembly.