Lynch in shock after horse fails test

Irish rider Denis Lynch has protested his innocence after being forced to withdraw from the Olympic individual showjumping final when his horse tested positive for a banned substance.

The 32-year-old was provisionally suspended by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) when Lantinus tested positive for capsaicin, a class A medication prohibited due to its pain-relieving properties.

Three other horses from Germany, Brazil and Norway also tested positive for the substance. But Irish officials insist there is an innocent explanation, claiming Lynch used a Deep Heat-like cream called Equiblock - which contains capsaicin - on his horse.

They said Lynch had been using it for some time and the horse had been tested before without any problems.

Lynch said: "I'm shattered. We have nothing to hide and have done nothing wrong." Britain's showjumping finalists Tim Stockdale and Ben Maher both missed out on medals in Hong Kong last night.

After jumping clear in round A both Stockdale, on Corlato, and Maher, on Rolette, were disappointed with final rounds which cost 16 and 20 penalty points respectively. Stockdale finished tied for 16th while Maher was 20th.

Canada's Eric Lamaze won gold after edging out Swedish rider Rolf-Goran Bengtsson in a dramatic jump-off.

Maher said: "I came here looking to win otherwise there is no point taking part in the Olympics but I am pleased with how I have done."