EQUESTRIAN:SHOW JUMPER Denis Lynch issued a statement on Saturday following the previous morning's disqualification of his Nations' Cup mount Lantinus from the remainder of the five-star show in Aachen where the horse had tested positive for hypersensitivity of his legs.
In the statement Germany-based Lynch stressed both his innocence and his support for the measures regarding hypersensitivity implemented by the FEI.
“At no stage, was there any inference that the hypersensitivity was anything other than natural occurring. I feel this is very important to clarify and I would also like to state for the record that I fully support all measures regarding hypersensitivity implemented by the FEI.”
The Tipperary native explained the background to the gelding’s disqualification during a routine boot and bandage control. He stated that when the horse was examined two hours before competing in Thursday’s Nations’ Cup, a small wound on the near fore leg and an abrasion on the off hind leg were identified but were not associated with “any hypersensitivity or abnormalities in the thermographic examination. We were satisfied, therefore, for Lantinus to compete in the Nations Cup”.
On re-examination after competing in Thursday’s two rounds, when the horse lowered three fences, and again on Friday morning these areas of sensitivity had increased and it was advised that the horse “was now considered hypersensitive within Annex XI of FEI Veterinary Regulations” and on this advice, Lantinus was disqualified by the attending FEI vets.
Lynch insists that his only concern was for the welfare of his mount and, as he never intended to compete Lantinus in any other event than the Nations’ Cup, he did not make any appeal against this decision.
The veterinary commission then advised that, as the horse would not be jumping again at the event, he could now receive the treatment he required.
Lynch won the Grand Prix at Aachen in 2009 on Lantinus but could only finish 13 th of 39 in yesterday’s renewal on Abbervail van het Dingeshof the horse with which he had been nominated by Horse Sport Ireland as one of two Irish riders to the Olympic Council of Ireland for this month’s Games in London.
Following Lantinus’s disqualification from Aachen on Friday, HSI requested his ratification be paused as it was awaiting a full report from the FEI and its own personnel at the German venue.
Although there is much speculation about who would replace Lynch should he failed to be ratified, this is academic and, having been found guilty of no offence, the rider could certainly question any decision which would see him excluded from the Games.
British showjumper Michael Whitaker produced a dominant performance yesterday to win the prestigious Aachen Grand Prix in Germany. Whitaker missed out on a place in Britain’s four-strong team for the London Olympics.
