Irish show jumper Darragh Kenny has been provisionally suspended by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), following a positive drug test during the FEI European Championships in La Coruña, Spain, in July. As of October 13, Kenny is barred from competing in both international and U.S. Equestrian Federation–sanctioned events.
According to the FEI’s human anti-doping database, Kenny’s test revealed the presence of a stimulant classified as S6 by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The FEI stated that the matter is being handled by the International Testing Agency (ITA), which oversees its anti-doping program for human athletes. Beyond that, the organization declined to provide any explanation or context, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
“This case is being handled by the International Testing Agency (ITA)... we are unable to provide further information at this stage,” the FEI said in response to a request from The Chronicle of the Horse.
While the FEI has chosen silence, Kenny himself offered a fuller picture; one that raises legitimate questions about whether the suspension reflects the intent of anti-doping regulations or an overly rigid interpretation of them.
“After the European Championships earlier this year, I was notified by the FEI of a positive result for a medication prohibited under anti-doping regulations,” Kenny wrote in a statement. “The medication in question is part of a prescribed treatment I have been taking under medical supervision for ADHD.”
Kenny stressed that he did not seek any competitive advantage, describing the medication as part of a legitimate, supervised treatment plan. He noted that he is cooperating fully with the FEI and ITA to clarify the situation.
Despite this, the FEI’s immediate decision to impose a provisional suspension, effectively sidelining one of Ireland’s top riders before a full review has been completed. Clearly such blanket enforcement of anti-doping rules fails to account for medical realities and casts a shadow over athletes managing legitimate health conditions under medical supervision.
Kenny concluded his statement by thanking his supporters:
“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.”