MICHAEL WHITAKER, of Huddersfield, is out of the Beijing Olympics showjumping event after his horse Portofino 63 became lame.
The team veterinarian has carried out an extensive investigation but as yet has been unable to target the source of the problem.
The 14-year-old bay mare, owned by Gillespie Equestrian, was sound during pre-export quarantine in the UK and on arrival in Hong Kong but has developed a problem in the last 48 hours.
The British Olympic Association and the British Olympic Equestrian Team decided it was in the horse’s best interests to withdraw her before the horse inspection.
The reserve horse, Russel, ridden by Nick Skelton, now comes into the squad of four.
Meanwhile, Emma Hindle refused to make any medal predictions after the first day of Olympic dressage tonight, instead insisting Great Britain are building towards the future with the aim of success in London in four years time.
The 33-year-old scored an impressive 71.125% on Lancet in Hong Kong to help push Britain up to second in the team rankings while ensuring she is well-placed to qualify for the individual dressage grand prix.
Teammate Jane Gregory was pathfinder for Britain but was disappointing by her standards as she scored 63.250%.
Their combined scores mean Britain are in second with 67.250% while medal favourites Holland occupy first place with 70.250%. Sweden are third with 66.583%.
All three countries have their third and final rider completing their dressage this evening with 23-year-old Laura Bechtolsheimer making her Olympic debut for Britain on Mistral Hojris.
But Hindle, who declared her performance as one of her best, remained grounded over medal aspirations.
“I like being part of the British team and I am so proud to have got to know them,” she said. “It will be wonderful to do a great job as well here.
“I just try to ride the best test I can every day.
“The British team is building for the future with the aim to get medals in London in four years. This is a stepping stone to what we want to achieve.”
