LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP):

A SECOND set of blood samples taken from four horses suspended in the Olympic equestrian team-jumping competition confirmed the initial positive tests for a banned medication, the sport's governing body said yesterday.

The findings could see Norway lose their team bronze medal after a series of tribunal hearings scheduled to be held in Lausanne next week.

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) also revealed a fifth positive test for a banned substance during the Olympics, involving United States rider Courtney King in the individual dressage category.

"Evidence and written submissions have been requested from each rider, and a three-member panel of the FEI tribunal has been appointed," the FEI 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.