The Equestrian Federation of Ireland (EFI) today said a portion of the B sample taken from the horse at the centre of an Olympic doping scandal will now be tested in New York rather than Hong Kong.
In yet another twist of the doping scandal involving the horse ridden by Ireland's Olympic gold medallist Cian O'Connor, the EFI said it was seeking clarification as to why the sample was being re-routed to New York.
The EFI said that a legal team from the international equestrian body in Switzerland had informed Mr O'Connor's solicitor of the change of plan last night.
O'Connor has accused unnamed enemies of trying to destroy him in an interview in today's Irish Times.
O'Connor repeated his denial of any wrongdoing, and said he still hoped the B sample tests would prove his innocence.
"I would have no will or motive either to destroy the B sample or to take anything from the EFI," he said.
"This looks like some individuals would go to any lengths, exhaust every possibility to see me destroyed in a business capacity, as well as my name and reputation."
He refused to comment on allegations the horse Waterford Crystal and a second of his horses, ABC Landliebe, had tested positive for a human drug used to treat schizophrenia.
"I don't have any hassle with discussing the issue but I'm going on the advice of my legal people. I will comment on the medication with my vet when the matter is complete," he said.
Last night the EFI has confirmed the documents stolen during Sunday night's break-in at the body's offices were linked to the doping case involving O'Connor.
Ms Avril Doyle said the documents were important in the context of recent events but she refused to elaborate while there was an Garda investigation.
