Irish show jumper Bertram Allen has lost an appeal against his disqualification from the Olympia Grand Prix.
Allen had posted a stunning jump-off time of 30.45 seconds on Quiet Easy to destroy a world-class field at the London International Horse Show.
"Bertram was probably very hard done-by. I would have preferred to have won it in the ring, but I suppose rules are rules and everyone has got to abide by them, but I couldn't see much wrong" - Michael Whitaker
But blood was subsequently found on Quiet Easy's right flank, prompting Allen's disqualification by the ground jury under article 242.3.1 of the FEI Jumping Rules.
An appeal was lodged on Allen's behalf but, after speaking to the ground jury, the FEI steward and the appointed representative of the rider, the appeal committee upheld the decision.
The class was subsequently awarded to Brtain's Michael Whitaker, riding Viking, a statement on the Olympia website confirmed. Germany's Ludger Beerbaum and Marcus Ehning were second and third.
"I am utterly devastated, just speechless," Allen told horseandhound.co.uk after the disqualification.
"I have a fantastic relationship with all of my horses, and their welfare is paramount.
"My foot must have slipped against Quiet Easy's side as I was riding against the clock. He's a sensitive horse and it was just a tiny nick."
Allen later added on Facebook: "I am devastated by the decision of the ground jury to eliminate me and my horse.
"I totally understand the rules in relation to the treatment of horses in competition, but I'm disappointed that the officials didn't use any discretion on this occasion.
Whitaker, meanwhile, gave Allen his winner's rosette, and said: "Bertram was probably very hard done-by.
"I would have preferred to have won it in the ring, but I suppose rules are rules and everyone has got to abide by them, but I couldn't see much wrong."
Allen's fellow Irish star Cian O'Connor, who also rode in the grand prix, criticised the decision to disqualify Allen.
Writing on his Facebook page, London 2012 individual bronze medallist O'Connor said: "I feel for my team-mate Bertram tonight, who annihilated the opposition to win the grand prix.
"A general consensus among the top riders here is that the FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale) rule needs to be reviewed regarding mandatory disqualification, and in my view, over-zealous stewarding by one particular steward, compounded by the apathetic actions of the foreign judge and president of the ground jury, led to bringing the sport and this great show into the spotlight for the wrong reasons."
