Banned Saudi Olympic riders’ appeal fast tracked

Two Saudi Arabian show jumpers, banned from the Olympic Games after their horses tested positive for controlled substances, will have their cases fast-tracked by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, it has been reported. Officials will hear Khaled Abdulaziz Al Eid and Abdullah Waleed Sharbatly's cases on June 7 and rule on their appeal on June 15, reported website Horsetalk.com. A not guilty verdict would allow them to compete in the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The International Equestrian Federation banned both riders after their horses tested positive for controlled anti-inflammatory medications in February. Controlled medication is prohibited during competitions but permitted for treatment outside competition. The ban, backdated to February, is due to expire in October. Equestrian events at the London Olympics begin July 28. Khaled Abdulaziz Al Eid won a bronze medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and Sharbatly won silver at the 2010 World Equestrian Games. By Arabian Business