Megan and Kirby Park Allofasudden Photo: Stephanie Rowe
Australia's Eventing Team has suffered another blow just days out from the start of the London Olympic Games with recently admitted team member Megan Jones forced to withdraw due to horse going lame.
Jones replaced Shane Rose just days earlier after his horse Taurus was ruled out due to a soft tissue injury.
Vets assessed Jones’ horse Allofasudden today and the horse sustained an injury to the left fore foot resulting in lameness and therefore won’t be fit for competition.
Equestrian Section Manager Brett Mace said this latest development has caused some disruption for the broader team, but dealing with disappointments of this nature is something equestrian athletes unfortunately are used to. “The reality is this is the nature of our sport. Horses can sustain these injuries and before you know it, a sporting dream can come to an end. “Megan would have been an asset to the team and this has been a very difficult time for her and her support team.
“There is no doubt that losing two horses just prior to the start of our Olympic campaign is less than ideal”.
The Eventing Team travels with three reserves and this latest omission from the team will give Sam Griffiths and Happy Times their first Olympic berth. Griffiths has represented Australia previously at the2010 World Equestrian Games and other major competitions.
The inclusion of Sam Griffiths and Happy Times is subject to IOC, LOCOG and FEI approval.
“Sam comes into the team with strong, consistent performances and we’re confident he’ll contribute well to the overall team performance.
“The rest of the team are getting on with their individual preparations ahead of Saturday’s competition and are onsite at the Greenwich Park venue daily working their horses.
“We remain confident of achieving the goals we set out to do here in London and that’s to walk away with a medal. We’re in the fortunate position of being able to draw on strong depth of talent in both riders and horses from within the Australian ranks,” said Mace.
Sam Griffiths and Happy Times Photo: Libby Law
