(ATR) The team showjumping medal from the Athens Olympics will now go to the U.S. following disqualification of the Germanyâ??s Ludger Beerbaum and horse Goldfever over a drug violation.
FEI, the International Equestrian Federation, says its Juridical Committee has ruled that a steroid cream applied to the horse to treat a skin ailment was grounds for disqualification, even though the medicine had no effect on performance. FEI says it is adhering to the policy of applying strict liability to athletes, as is now supposed to be the practice across the Olympic sports.
The ruling is the latest reshuffle of the medal tables from equestrian events in Athens and the second time and the third time for Germany, which lost two gold medals over a timing issue.
Still ahead is a hearing for Irish rider Cian Oâ??Connor and his mount Waterford Crystal. Winners of the individual showjumping event and Irelandâ??s only medal of the Olympics, Oâ??Connor and horse also face a doping infraction.
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