An attempt to fast-track the Waterford Crystal doping case hearing for tomorrow has been dropped, The Irish Times has learned.
It had been hoped that the case would be heard in Zurich tomorrow before Cian O'Connor's vet, James Sheeran, left the country on a three-week holiday. The two sides in the case, Mr O'Connor's legal team and the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), are now seeking a new date.
"E-mails are being sent back and forth almost on a half-hourly basis," FEI secretary general Dr Bo Helander said yesterday. "They're really making a huge effort. I hope it will be sorted within a day or two, but that's just a hope, not a real conviction."
Six alternative dates are now being proposed in February and March, but there have been problems finding a date agreeable to all parties. London, Paris and Zurich have each been proposed as a possible venue.
Submissions were sent to the FEI headquarters in Lausanne by Mr O'Connor's solicitor, Andrew Coonan, a fortnight ago. FEI submissions are scheduled to arrive at Mr Coonan's office on February 1st, with witnesses' statements following on February 10th.