Equestrian: Paget's case heard in London

Jock Paget

Equestrian rider Jock Paget's case has been heard, eight months after he was banned following his horse Clifton Promise's positive test for the banned sedative reserpine after winning the Burghley Horse Trials last September.

A three-person panel is hearing the case in London.

The governing body and Paget have asked for the outcome sooner, with the world championships starting in August.

The standard suspension is two years but a one year ban is also an option if no wilful or malicious intent is found.

Paget said he is keen to get back to riding.

"It's been a very long time to finally get to this day, I've been waiting a long time. I'm on my way back to the saddle right now, hopefully I'll be back competing pretty soon," he told reporters outside the court.

Chris Hodson, president of Equestrian Sports New Zealand, told reporters that a decision should be made soon but it is unclear exactly when.

"We asked about the delivery of the decision and for any indications they could give and the answer was clear. There are many difficult issues and I quote 'we'll give you a decisions as soon as possible'.

"It could be a number of weeks. It could be less than that. I would not expect it to me more."