Horses ridden by 4 competitors in the team competition tested positive for Capsaicin which “is classified as a« doping » prohibited substance given its hypersensitizing properties, and as a « medication class A » prohibited substance for its pain relieving properties.” according to the FEI’s website. These riders are from Germany, Ireland, Norway (bronze team medal winner) and Brazil and have been temporarily suspended by the FEI which excluded them from the individual show jumping final. Apparently this substance has been difficult to detect until only recently and the laboratory in Hong Kong is reported as being very “cutting edge”. It’s hard to imagine how riders, their vets and coaches would want to jeopardize their careers especially at an event like the Olympics where everyone is under the microscope! And even worse to risk the welfare of the horses. Both Germany & Ireland were stripped of their medals in 2004 because
of positive drug testing. What on earth were they thinking????? HELLO – is anybody home? Jeez! It’s quite possible that Norway which won the bronze medal could end up losing it which means the Swiss (my husband’s country) will get the bronze. Not such a thrill once the Games are over. At least the tests for dressage and eventing horses have all come up with negative results.
Okay I will stop my ranting on this topic for now. Just glad the FEI has been taking a very tough stance on doping in general as it rightfully so should be doing!
Will keep you posted on how this shakes out.
Cindy