Cian O’Connor and his mount Pegasus have been disqualified after finishing first at a Grand Prix event in Mexico after the horse tested positive for a banned substance.
O’Connor, who denies any wrongdoing, appeared on the International Equestrian Federation’s fast-track sanctions list this week, with dexamethasone detected in the sample taken from Pegasus at the CSI2 Grand Prix in San Miguel de Allende on 12 October.
The anti-inflammatory medication is allowed out of competition but is generally banned in competition.
O’Connor will serve no ban if avoiding future infractions of a similar nature.
Speaking to the Irish Independent, he said: “I had a totally unexplained medication violation on one of my horses while competing in Mexico over two months ago.
“I have categorically outlined to the FEI that neither I or my staff administered any such medication to the horse.”