Irish Olympic showjumper Darragh Kenny is set to return to international competition next month after completing a four-month provisional suspension related to a human anti-doping case. The suspension stemmed from a positive test for medication prescribed for his ADHD during last summer's European Showjumping Championships. A final agreement with the FEI allows him to resume riding on 12 February.
Darragh Kenny, one of Ireland's leading showjumpers, faced a provisional suspension starting on 13 October following a positive anti-doping test. The test occurred after the European Showjumping Championships in A Coruña, Spain, from 16-20 July, where Kenny and his horse Eddy Blue helped the Irish team finish fourth overall, with Kenny placing seventh individually.
The issue arose from a prohibited medication that Kenny was taking under medical supervision to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He emphasized his full cooperation with the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) and the International Testing Agency, which oversees human anti-doping in equestrian sports.
“I never intended to gain any competitive advantage,” Kenny stated at the time. “My sole aim was to responsibly address a medical condition under professional guidance.”
He also expressed gratitude for the support received: “I am deeply grateful to my national federation, my sponsors, owners, clients and the broader equestrian community for their support throughout this process. Thank you for your understanding.”
On 15 January, the FEI announced a “final agreement,” concluding the case and ending the suspension on 12 February. A spokesperson for Kenny told Horse & Hound that he would not comment further.
Kenny has a strong track record, including representing Ireland at the Tokyo Olympics with VDL Cartello and the 2019 European Championships in Rotterdam aboard Balou Du Reventon. His return marks the resolution of a case that highlighted the challenges of managing medical treatments under strict anti-doping rules in elite equestrian sport.