Second positive dope test for Jessica Kurten’s horse

The second blood sample from Jessica Kurten’s horse Castle Forbes Maike has tested positive for etoricoxib, a non-steroidal anti inflammatory drug.

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) tonight confirmed the result of the second test, taken from a sample from the Irish show jumper’s horse at the CSIO 5* La Baule in France (10-13 May).

Jessica’s husband, Ekhardt, told H&H he had not heard officially heard the result from the FEI, and will not make a statement at present.

Etoricoxib is classed as a “class A” substance, meaning that Jessica can accept an administrative penalty including disqualification from the event and a fine.

But in August, when news of the first positive test broke during the European Show Jumping Championships (news, 30 August), Jessica said there was absolutely “no grounds” to the situation.

“I didn’t give my horse anything, I don’t know the substance,” she said.

Tempers between the Irish team were frayed during the championships in Mannheim, Germany after the doping news was revealed.

Jessica swore on camera after her final round, where she came 13th, saying: “I think there’s a pack of Irish arseholes who are trying to give me a bad time.”

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