17 Apr 2014

Paget still waiting for hearing date

1:13 pm on 17 April 2014

One of New Zealand's leading equestrian riders Jock Paget is still waiting on a hearing date so he can put his case over the positive drug test that will cost him his Burghley Horse trial title.

Paget has been suspended since his horse Clifton Promise returned a positive test for a tranquiliser after winning the Burgley title in September.

Paget hopes to have the suspension lifted.

He's not contesting the presence of the drug but rather that he had no knowledge or control over its presence.

Paget had expected to know by now when he would have to appear before the International Equestrian Federation, but Equestrian New Zealand's chief executive Jim Ellis says there's still no word.

Ellis says the best Paget can hope for from the hearing is no suspension, but his Burgley title will undoubtedly be rescinded.