Olympics 2008
-1hr for ETEquestrian: Werth banned after horse fails drug test
Germany''s multiple Olympic dressage champion Isabell Werth has been provisionally suspended after her horse failed a drug test, the German Equestrian Federation (FN) announced on Wednesday.
Werth''s 10-year-old horse Wallach Whisper tested positive for the banned substance fluphenazine at an event in Wiesbaden, in Western Germany, on May 30-June 1.
Writing on her website on Wednesday, Werth admitted administering the substance on May 16 in a bid to relieve an anxiety-related problem afflicting her horse.
"I am aware that I am responsible for doubts about the honesty and the integrity of myself and our sport," Werth wrote.
"I present my apologies to everyone that is involved in equestrianism."
Werth, 40, also explained that, although the syndrome her mount suffers from is not painful to the horse, it can be dangerous for the rider because it provokes uncontrollable movements.
"It''s a catastrophe for equestrianism," said FN president Breido zu Rantzau.
"But we won''t allow ourselves to be discouraged by this bad news."
The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) provisionally suspended Werth and asked her to appear before an FEI tribunal on Thursday, when her suspension will be either confirmed or overturned.
"It''s certainly extremely disappointing," said the director general of the German Olympic Committee (DOSB), Michael Vesper.
"Every case of doping is catastrophic, but in the case of an icon like Isabell Werth, we are affected even more."
The five-time Olympic champion - four times in the team dressage and once in the individual dressage - won second prize in the dressage competition in Wiesbaden, riding two different horses including Wallach Whisper.
ak-ab/thw/pi09
AFP
All rights reserved