YESTERDAY, DENIS LYNCH was withdrawn from Ireland’s equestrian team for next month’s London Olympics. The Tipperary rider’s horse Lantinus was disqualified from the premier fixture in Aachen, Germany, last week after testing positive for hypersensitivity. The 36-year-old Lynch says that the hypersensitivity occurred naturally, but what exactly is it?
What is hypersensitivity?
Every horse has a normal level of sensitivity or nerve sensation, but where this exceeds normal limits, it becomes known as hypersensitivity.
It can occur from an insect sting, or from a self-inflicted injury.
It can, theoretically, be artificially produced to improve the performance of the horses. If a horse is hypersensitive, it is likely to better clear its hurdles in order to not get hurt.
How is it determined?
It is measured by both thermographic x-rays and clinical testing. Thermography measures abnormal heat patterns of the skin by using an imaging camera.
What happens if hypersensitivity is found?
The front of all four limbs of the horse are examined by the application of pressure. If the condition is found immediately after competition, a further examination will take place later to confirm its persistence.
Evidence will then be presented to a Ground Jury and its decision is final.
Then, the case may move on to a Medication Control Programme, which will determine if doping is involved.
Well done kid. The Irish bolt!!
Unbelievable,just saw it on C4,what a sportsman,forget those soccer morons,this is a real role model
Sssssoccer!
Fair play. With all the drugs and cheating and diving in sport you have to give these athletes credit. Seems to have been great crowds there as well. It is paying for itself and looks like its profile will increase further.
O’Bolt…….. Legend
just wow..watched it on ch4 ..amazing…move over Mr bolt.
massive respect. what a hero.
Brilliant, fair play to him…
RTE should be ashamed we had to watch it on C4.
RTE did bid for the Paralympics but they were outbid by Setanta
Was there not a law about sports of national import not being able to be exclusive to a non terrestrial channel?
Congratulations Jason well done and well done to all our papalympians Is that the right word . Anyway you done us proud well done to all concerned .
What a fantastic performance!!
I have to say these paralympic athletes have done better job than the Olympic athletes.Fair play to them. GO TEAM IRELAND
Not really a fair comparison. Every athlete gives the most they can.
But well done Jason !!
Outstanding in his (track and) field! Nice one.
Well done Jason, what a legend and a true role model!
His medal ceremony is coming up next on channel 4. Very proud of Jason and all our amazing athletes!
The oul tears were welling and jasons bottom lip was quivering like mad.
Priceless photo bravo Jason!!
Fantastic performance. Now that was Irish sport at its best. Were you watching Trap??!
to be the best in the world for the last 8 years is amazing. double double top class!!
Fantastic a true athlete streets ahead of the opposition these paralympians are an inspiration to us all
Waiting for my head to be bitten off here.
Doesn’t anyone feel that entering our national champ who is a full time athelete and trains with the US team full time, finished 9th in the European championships and missed qualification for the Olympics by 0.04 seconds isn’t actually competing on a level playing field.
His achievements in these are brilliant. Tyson Gay thinks he has the potential to run under 10s for the 100m.
He competes against Bolt.
The paralympics should be for amateurs
What makes you think it should be for Amateurs??? get a grip of yourself