German show jumper Marco Kutscher has been disqualified from the 2008 Beijing Olympics and fined an unprecedented CHF15,000 (£9,000) for treating his horse Cornet Obolensky with lactanase during the Games.
Lactanase is used to help reduce the incidence of tying up by reducing the build-up of lactic acid in the muscles. It is a medication A prohibited substance.
Mr Kutscher admitted to the FEI in May 2009 that his horse had been treated with lactanase during the Olympics. The rider also admitted that his vet had not declared the treatment — as is required under FEI rules — though claimed to believe at the time that protocol had been followed.
“A period of suspension was not imposed on Mr Kutscher as the Tribunal felt the timing would be unfair,” said the FEI in a statement this afternoon.
“Therefore, in the very unique circumstances involving this case, the Tribunal has decided to impose a more meaningful fine which highlights the PR’s negligence.”
The FEI tribunal has fined Mr Kutscher “an unprecedented” CHF10,000 for his negligence and ordered the German showjumper to pay CHF5,000 in costs.
Marco Kutscher has 30 days to appeal the decision.
