The FEI Tribunal has dismissed French showjumper Simon Delestre’s appeal against his retroactive elimination from a Global Champions League Super Cup quarter-final. Officials disqualified him after his helmet harness came unfastened during a clear round in Prague last November. The ruling ended his team Istanbul Warriors’ participation in the playoffs.
Simon Delestre, an Olympic and world team medalist, rode a faultless round for the Istanbul Warriors in the GCL Super Cup quarter-final at the Global Champions Playoffs in Prague. Post-class review using video footage revealed his helmet harness had loosened, leading to elimination under FEI rules requiring fully fastened headgear. This decision sidelined the team from further competition. Delestre called the ruling unfair at the time, noting other riders in similar situations kept their scores. The GCL and event organizers expressed disappointment, saying it impacted the wider event despite respecting FEI authority. The ground jury rejected Delestre’s initial appeal. He escalated to the FEI Tribunal, arguing the post-round disqualification violated fair play principles and was disproportionate for an unintentional equipment issue not spotted live. Delestre contended it was not a real-time 'field of play' decision, as results were already published. The FEI Tribunal ruled the matter unequivocally a 'field of play' decision, admissible for video review even after the round. It compared it to post-round checks like blood on horses, stating timing does not change its status. The appeal was deemed non-admissible. Horse & Hound has sought comment from Delestre on potential further appeals.
