An FEI tribunal concerning doping allegations against last year’s Burghley winner Jock Paget and his mentor Kevin McNab has started this morning (3 June) in London.
Jock and Kevin have both been suspended from competition after their horses, Clifton Promise and Clifton Pinot, tested positive for the banned substance reserpine at Burghley Horse Trials last September.
Both horses are owned by Frances Stead of Clifton Eventers. In an unusual move for tribunals of this nature, both cases will be heard together.
Jock appeared to avoid the waiting media by entering through a back entrance of Bird & Bird law firm’s offices in London where the tribunal is taking place behind closed doors.
Kevin entered through the front entrance, but did not comment on proceedings.
Last month the FEI reached a partial decision on Jock’s case and stripped him of his Burghley title but Kevin’s result still stands at the moment.
The full tribunal will determine whether either rider is at fault for the banned substance being in their horse’s system. If they are found guilty they could face a minimum 2-year-ban from the sport.
The tribunal is expected to last one or 2 days, but a verdict may not be reached for a further 4 to 6 weeks.
