The Irish everywhere hang their head in shame:

Irish equestrian Denis Lynch was disqualified Friday from the Beijing Olympics because his horse tested positive for a banned pain reliever.

The International Equestrian Federation also suspended Lynch from competing for three months. The ban expires Nov. 21, having taken effect from the day Lynch was provisionally suspended from the games.

Lynch, aboard Lantinus, tied for seventh in qualifying in the individual jumping class but was prevented from taking part in the final in Hong Kong. Lantinus tested positive for capsaicin, a medication derived from chili peppers.