Cian O'Connor has been granted an extension to make his case to the international body investigating how his horse Waterford Crystal was found to have banned substances in its system.
The Olympic gold medal winner's solicitor confirmed yesterday the International Equestrian Federation (IEF) had extended the date for his submission of an explanation for the positive drug tests to December 13th. The explanation was originally due to be furnished to the IEF by today.
The news comes as O'Connor today competes at the Belfast International Horse Show at the Odyssey Arena.
Reports today said the showjumper's solicitor, Mr Andrew Coonan, said a time extension had not been requested but that it would have been "impossible" to prepare a detailed submission by December 2nd given the large volume of documentation involved.
The FEI said O'Connor had not yet indicated whether he wanted an oral hearing.
Waterford Crystal's A urine sample and the A and B blood samples tested positive for the substances fluphenazine and zuclopenthixol.
The case has been said to contain all the ingredients of a best-selling novel after the horse's B urine sample went missing en route to a testing centre in Britain and a break-in at the headquarters of the Irish Equestrian Federation, which involved the theft of a number of files relating to O'Connor.
The rider may face the loss of his gold medal, the only one won by the Irish contingent during the Athens Olympics in the summer. He may also face a ban or a suspension.