THE Belgian eventing team which finished fourth at the Paris Olympic Games has been disqualified following a positive doping test for Tine Magnus’ ride Dia Van Het Lichterveld Z.

An FEI statement on Thursday announced that the horse, a 10-year-old mare owned by Kris van Vaerenbergh, tested positive for trazodone in Paris. Trazodone is listed as an anti-depressant on the FEI’s prohibited substances list. It is commonly used in horses to facilitate rest and recovery.

The statement said that the rider has been provisionally suspended from the date of notification (September 3rd) “until the FEI Tribunal renders its decision. The horse has also been provisionally suspended for two months from the date of notification.

“An adverse analytical finding from one team member during the Olympic Games will lead to the disqualification of the whole team. Hence, team Belgium will be disqualified from the eventing team competition of the Paris Olympic Games,” added the FEI statement.

Magnus categorically denies any wrongdoing. In a statement, she said: “With the greatest sadness I had to hear about a positive doping result of my horse Dia (during the Olympics). Together with the KBRSF and my team, we are searching for the cause of this also for me very surprising result. I assure you that I or anyone on my team have never used any form of doping. I am [an] honest sportswoman and will do everything I can to prove my innocence. I hope for your support and confidence.”

A statement from the Belgian Federation said: “The Belgian team in general and Tine Magnus particularly are very surprised about this result. Although all horses had been pre-tested and the team gave their outmost to prevent any incidents, this is the given situation which is currently having an impact on the team result. We are now analysing and clarifying the situation. Together with Tine Magnus we are investigating what exactly happened.”

Magnus has 21 days to appeal. If the disqualification is upheld, it would mean Switzerland finish fourth in Paris, while Ireland’s finishing place would move up to eighth.