Positive test leaves Paget stunned

NEW ZEALAND Olympic equestrian Jock Paget has reacted with shock at the news his horse, Clifton Promise, tested positive to a prohibited substance after their victory at the Burghley Horse Trials last month.

Equestrian Sports New Zealand (ESNZ) confirmed that Paget will be stood down from competition with immediate effect, pending the test of the B sample and any subsequent hearings.

ESNZ received notification from the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) of a positive test for the substance reserpine, a sedative for horses, in a blood sample taken from Clifton Promise after the final round of Burghley in Britain on September 8.

ESNZ said Surrey-based Paget was ‘‘understandably shocked’’ at the finding.

‘‘He and all relevant parties state categorically that none of them have taken any actions with the intent of administering any prohibited substance. ESNZ and Paget are establishing a likely cause of the positive test and will provide submissions to the FEI Tribunal as required.’’

FEI’s regulations state, as the person responsible for the horse, Paget is provisionally suspended from any national or international competition until further notice. Clifton Promise is provisionally suspended for two months pending the B sample and any subsequent hearings.