“After a full investigation into the facts surrounding the disqualification of Sapphire (McLain Ward) at the FEI World Cup Final in Geneva, the FEI has determined that the horse was incorrectly eliminated from the second round on 16 April 2010, however, Sapphire’s disqualification from the final round of the World Cup remains in place.
McLain Ward will immediately be awarded all ranking points and prize money related to his second place finish in the second round of the FEI World Cup Final….”
The disqualification was allegedly due to the fact that FEI vets thought Sapphire responded to sensitivity tests, indicating that a chemical had been applied to the front of her pasterns, which would have made the mare more conscious about hitting rails. McLain, George Morris, and the USEF all vehemently opposed the disqualification at the time, and swab tests of Sapphire’s legs came back negative a few weeks ago. McLain and the USEF had sued the FEI over the matter, but today’s press release announces that the suit had been dropped.
Link: Full FEI Press Release
This is the admission of a very big error by the FEI, and I give the FEI credit for owning up to the mistake. However, this press release was sent out at 6PM on a Friday night of a holiday weekend in the US, which is the classic time you would issue news if you don’t want anyone to hear about it, which raises my eyebrow a bit. Go eventing.
