Zara Phillips Withdrawn From Olympic British Eventing Team

Following an injury sustained during training, Toytown ridden by Zara Phillips has been withdrawn from Team GB for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

A reserve rider and horse combination will now be selected by the British Olympic Association, after nomination from the British Equestrian Federation (BEF), to replace Zara Phillips and will be announced as soon as possible.

Zara Phillips commented:

“I am very disappointed not to have the opportunity to ride at the Olympic Games and feel that Toytown deserved his chance to go. However, with horses these things happen and we still have a very strong team, I wish them every success.”

Simon Clegg, Team GB 2008 Chef de Mission said:

“This must be a huge disappointment to Zara particularly following the pair’s success over the last few years. Naturally we now need to focus our full support on the rest of the team including Zara’s replacement and give them every opportunity of competing to their full in Hong Kong.”

Will Connell, Team Leader for the Equestrian Team commented:

“The British team are saddened by the news, especially for Zara and her team. We have a strong team of reserves and the team are now focused on trying to win medals.”

Toytown is owned by BGC Partners & Associated Companies including Cantor Index, Mr James Blackshaw and Zara Phillips.

Source: www.useventing.org