O'Connor has chance to explain dope tests

Cian O'Connor's legal team will present its final written submissions in his defence to the International Equestrian Federation…

Cian O'Connor's legal team will present its final written submissions in his defence to the International Equestrian Federation today.

The Co Kildare rider, who won gold in Athens last August, has been given the opportunity to explain two positive dope tests on his horse, Waterford Crystal. The gelding was found to have two human anti-psychotic drugs in urine and blood samples taken after his winning performance.

The submissions will form part of a case file that will be prepared by the federation's legal department following receipt of the papers from Ireland today.

The case file will then be forwarded to the federation's four-man judicial committee.

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O'Connor has requested an oral hearing so that he, his legal team and expert witnesses can present the case to the committee in the hope that the 25-year-old can retain his Olympic title.

The federation is hoping to have a hearing before the end of the month or in early February at the latest. Having heard the case for the defence, the judicial committee will decide whether or not to impose sanctions.