LAUSANNE, Switzerland - A second set of blood samples taken from four horses suspended in the Olympic equestrian team jumping competition confirmed the positive tests for a banned medication.
The findings could mean Norway will lose its team bronze medal after a series of tribunal hearings scheduled to be held in Lausanne next week.
The International Equestrian Federation also announced Wednesday a fifth positive test for a banned substance during the Olympics, involving American rider Courtney King in the individual dressage category.
King's horse Mythilus tested positive for the banned substance felbinac, a medication used as an anti-inflammatory pain reliever.
The American rider was notified of the positive test and her suspension from the Games on Aug. 22, three days after she finished the dressage competition in 13th place.
"Evidence and written submissions have been requested from each rider, and a three-member panel of the FEI tribunal has been appointed," the federation said in a statement. "The panel will then, in light of all the evidence received, take a decision as to the applicable sanction if any."
Norwegian bronze medallist Tony Andre Hansen was one of four riders found to have used the banned pain reliever capsaicin, a derivative of chili peppers, on their horse.
Hansen's horse Camiro was joined by Ireland's Lantinus, ridden by Dennis Lynch; Brazil's Chupa Chup, ridden by Bernardo Alves; and Germany's Coster, ridden by Christian Ahlmann.
Switzerland finished fourth in team jumping and could be awarded the bronze medal if Norway is eliminated.
The tribunal verdicts are expected within a month of the Sept. 5-7 hearings.
