Today the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rendered its decision in the prohibited substance case involving the horse Cöster ridden by Christian Ahlmann (GER) at the 2008 Olympic Games.

The CAS upheld the appeal of the German Equestrian Federation against the decision of the FEI Tribunal dated 22 October and dismissed the appeal of Christian Ahlmann against the same decision.

The rider is declared ineligible for a period of eight months starting on 21 August 2008 and ending on 20 April 2009. All results obtained by Christian Ahlmann during this period are cancelled. All medals, points and prize money must be forfeited.

Christian Ahlmann is ordered to pay CHF 5,000 towards the legal costs of the German Equestrian Federation.

Alex McLin, FEI Secretary General
"Increased sanctions appear to confirm our stance throughout this process. We respect and accept the decision taken by CAS."

Note to the editor:

In its decision of 22 October 2008, the FEI Tribunal suspended Christian Ahlmann for a period of four months (120 days), which period began on 21 August 2008 and ran up to 18 December 2008. The German National Federation appealed against this decision asking for tougher sanctions (read here the FEI statement on this occasion). The rider also appealed against the decision of the FEI Tribunal.

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