Norwegian show jumper Tony Andre Hansen lost his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Dec. 4 for his medication control offence at the 2008 Olympic Games. Hansen’s horse, Camiro, tested positive for capsaicin.
The CAS ruling will cost Norway the team bronze medal. After officials excluded Hansen’s scores, Norway fell to eighth place and pushed Switzerland into third.
Capsaicin, a chili derivative, is known for its effectiveness as a source of pain relief in products like Equi-Block and for hypersensitizing horses’ legs.
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Norway had to forfeit related points and prize money. Hansen must pay $5,847 to the Fédération Equestre Internationale for legal expenses. He’s already served his 135-day suspension.
“The FEI welcomes the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” FEI Secretary General Alex McLin commented. “The fact that the CAS has ruled in FEI’s favor in this long and vigorously contested case demonstrates that the FEI judicial process is fair, thorough and respects the rights of the parties. The last pending Olympic equestrian case is now closed.”
