A decision on whether to appeal a court ruling that means Ireland would miss the Olympic team showjumping event will not be made until the reasons for the ruling are disclosed, a solicitor acting for Horse Sport Ireland has said.

In its statement on Monday, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne said the grounds for its decision would be released in “the coming weeks”.

Joe Fitzpatrick, of Smithwick solicitors in Kilkenny, said he wouldn't discount an appeal but would be reluctant to pursue one unless there was something obvious in the judgment when it is released. He said he was very disappointed with the ruling.

During a hearing in December, the Irish side argued that Cian O’Connor should have been stopped after he was distracted by a member of the groundstaff running across the arena at an event in Aachen last year. Mr O’Connor’s horse knocked down the next fence, costing him a clear round that would have taken Ireland to the Rio Olympics.

The ruling was made by three lawyers, two British and one American.