Sport Dispute Solutions Ireland (“SDSI”) Arbitrator dismisses Olympic dressage appeal

Horse Sport Ireland welcomes the decision of David Sharpe SC, the independent arbitrator nominated by Sport Dispute Solutions Ireland (SDSI), to uphold the decision of Horse Sport Ireland with regard to the dressage team event at the Tokyo Olympics.  The independent arbitrator dismissed the appeal of both Mr Rawlings and Mr Connor.    This is the second independent arbitrator to dismiss their appeal in the last 72 hours.

This evening, 2^nd July, Mr David Sharpe SC heard the second appeal initiated by the appellants and issued his decision. The arbitrator found that the selection process was conducted fairly.  The arbitrator came to the conclusion that the appeal filed was not made out and as such failed.  In the arbitrator’s view there was an athlete nomination policy in place and the requirements in the nomination policy were simply not met. Any suggestion that the process was unfair was not made out.

The Olympic selection process for dressage has been in place since 2019 and was widely communicated to all relevant athletes.

Horse Sport Ireland thanks SDSI for their management of the case and for giving Horse Sports Ireland and the athletes an opportunity to make their case to a further independent arbitrator.

In the interests of the dressage community and the sport horse industry, Horse Sport Ireland waived its right to seek costs in the matter.

The Olympic Games open on Friday 23^rd July 2021.

HSI Nomination Policy & Olympic Appeals Policy Link

SDSI Appeals Policy Link