Cian O'Connor's legal team has been granted a further extension of the deadline for preparing the defence case on the positive dope test from Olympic gold medal horse Waterford Crystal.
The Athens Olympic champion had already been given an extension from December 2nd to December 13th but, following a request from his solicitor, Mr Andrew Coonan, a further extension to January 7th has been agreed.
Mr Coonan told the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) in Lausanne yesterday that he had still not been furnished with full documentation requested several weeks ago. The FEI sent further documentation on the case to Mr Coonan yesterday.
The FEI judicial committee, which will hear the case, will likely be convened 10 days to a fortnight after the January 7th deadline. O'Connor has requested an oral hearing before the committee.
Meanwhile, a source has confirmed to The Irish Times that a number of high-profile positive dope cases are likely to be dropped by the FEI. Several horses have tested positive for the prohibited substance Reserpine, but they are all thought to have been treated with a contaminated batch of Tranquil, a natural sedative.