Show jumper Jessica Kurten banned from competing for two months

Irish show jumper Jessica Kurten has been banned from competing for two months for committing a “doping offence”.

The immediate suspension by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), follows the discovery of a prohibited substance, etoricoxib, in her horse’s system during a competition in France last May.

Last May, Jessica Kurten and Castle Forbes Maike won €22,000 (£15,400) at the CSIO 5* in La Baule, France.

Afterwards, Castle Forbes Maike was selected for a random dope test, and the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug etoricoxib, was found in the horse’s system.

Today, the FEI announced that the rider has infringed anti-doping rules, and will be suspended from competition immediately. Her suspension will last two months — a critical time for selection in the run up to this summer’s Olympic Games in Hong Kong.

Jessica will also forfeit the prize-money and placing at the show, and fined 3,750 Swiss Francs (about £1,800).

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