O'Connor's lawyers hand over dope test defence

Lawyers for Olympic gold medallist Cian O’Connor today presented a written submission in his defence over alleged doping allegations.

The 18-page report was handed into the International Equestrian Federation in Lausanne, Switzerland, where a special committee will investigate the case.

Mr O’Connor was given until today to explain two positive drug tests from his horse Waterford Crystal at the Athens Olympics.

The gelding was found to have traces of two human drugs in urine and blood samples. Tests revealed the horse had evidence of drugs used to treat anti-psychotic disorders including schizophrenia.

An FEI judicial committee will examine the Kildare rider’s submission before deciding on a date for an oral hearing to thrash out the case.

Mr O’Connor requested a sitting in front of the four man panel to allow his lawyers and witnesses to fully present their case and defend the 25-year-old’s right to remain Olympic champion.

It is understood the FEI officials will spend up to a week studying the report before a complete file containing all data from the dope tests and other analysis is put together for the hearing.

The federation is hoping to have a hearing before the end of the month or in early February. Mr O’Connor will have 30 days to appeal to the Court of Arbitration of Sport if any sanctions are imposed.