In a devastating blow for Australian rider Bill Levett, both of his top horses (Hippolyte - Hipp and Political Trump - Tim ) have sustained injuries following Barbury Horse Trials in England. Bill has had an excellent run in European competition in the last few months including 7th at Badminton on Hippolyte and his performances this year had put him in contention for the Australian team in Kentucky. In his blog, Bill explains; "Hipp and Tim have sustained two very different injuries and there is no obvious explanation for either of them. Tim’s setback is more minor and with a little time he will, all being well, be back for a Spring campaign at Badminton 2011. Burghley or WEG will come too soon for him this autumn, and so we will take our time and I will focus on dressage and show jumping over the winter to continue to build my partnership with him. Hipp’s injury is more serious and more unusual, damage to the tendon at the back of the knee, so he will need a long rehab. He’s most likely out of action for this season and next. I’m just gutted as he’s a very special horse, the type you don’t get come along very often, and he (and I) are not in our infancy" Eventing certainly is a tough sport and we wish Bill well and hope that his horses make a full recovery.
