Irish show jumper Darragh Kenny provisionally suspended by FEI after positive test
The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) has provisionally suspended Irish show jumper Darragh Kenny following a positive test for a substance classified under Class S6 (stimulants) on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list. The result reportedly relates to a medication that Kenny has been prescribed as part of medical treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
What this means for Kenny and his competitive status
A provisional suspension means Kenny is temporarily barred from FEI-sanctioned competition as the case is reviewed. The FEI’s decision comes after a notification he received last year following the European Championships, a period during which he has indicated full cooperation with the FEI and the International Testing Agency (ITA).
The 37-year-old Olympian from Offaly, now based in Florida, issued a statement emphasizing that there was no intention to gain an unfair competitive advantage. He said the medication is part of a medically supervised treatment plan for ADHD and that he is cooperating to clarify the circumstances surrounding the positive result.
Context: ADHD medications and anti-doping rules
Class S6 encompasses stimulants that can appear on WADA’s prohibited list and may be found in certain prescription medications used for conditions such as ADHD, anaphylaxis, or cold and flu symptoms. Athletes taking prescribed therapies are required to obtain appropriate medical documentation and approvals to avoid violations. Kenny’s case illustrates the complexities athletes face when medical treatment intersects with strict anti-doping rules.
What happens next?
As with all provisional suspensions, the case will proceed to a formal review by the FEI in conjunction with the ITA. The process will examine medical records, prescriptions, and the specifics of the positive test to determine whether any anti-doping rules were breached and what, if any, sanctions may follow.
Statements of support and official responses
Horse Sport Ireland has indicated that it will not comment further while the case remains ongoing. Kenny expressed gratitude for the support of his national federation, sponsors, owners, clients, and the broader equestrian community as the review unfolds.
Implications for Kenny’s season and future
Depending on the outcome, Kenny could face a range of potential consequences, from a reinstatement after a rule review to more formal disciplinary measures if violations are confirmed. His case underscores the importance of clear documentation and medical supervision for athletes who rely on prescription medications during high-level competition.
Conclusion
As Kenny cooperates with FEI and ITA investigations, the equestrian world watches to see how the review resolves. The outcome will not only influence Kenny’s immediate competition schedule but could also shape how athletes navigate medically necessary treatments within the strict framework of international anti-doping standards.
