New Zealand's Jock Paget and Clifton Lush are withdrawn
There is nothing like keeping us on our toes in the press office. Shortly after the first horse inspection the team rider orders were announced and riders from two of the hot favourite teams had been substituted
New Zealand’s horse Clifton Lush was asked to trot up twice this morning but was accepted by the Ground Jury however Jock has now withdrawn from the team due to an injury to the horse’s cheek
It appears that Clifton Lush had cut his cheek whilst at the Deodoro Olympic Equestrian Centre during the past week and, although the vets have been happy with his progress and he was kept in work, it has been decided that the horse should be given further time to heal to make a full recovery.
“Obviously it is very disappointing for me and Clifton Lush’s owners but we’ve decided this is best for the horse,” said Paget. “It’s been a real team effort from the Rio 2016 Veterinary Hospital and our own vet Christiana Ober – they have all given Lush exceptional care and attention.”
Reserve rider Tim Price will now trail-blaze for the New Zealand team on Ringwood Sky Boy, followed by Mark Todd aboard Leonidas II, Clarke Johnstone and Balmoral Sensation and Jonelle Price aboard Faerie Dianimo.
For Tim the switch is bitter-sweet saying “I am really proud to make the team, but it’s disappointing that it comes off the back of the misfortune of my team-mate Jock and his connections"
Bad luck for Andreas Ostholt and So Is Et who went so well at Badminton this year
The German team, hot favourites for the gold medals, also have substituted their reserve rider Julia Krajewski riding Samurai Du Thot replacing Andreas Ostholt and So Is Et. Andreas’ horse also passed the first horse inspection but apparently has not been 100% in training due to a pulled shoe and the decision was made to bring Julia in.
Changes within the teams can be made up to two hours before competitions starts on Saturday at 10:00 at the Olympic Equestrian Centre in Deodoro so hang on to your hats as we may not be done yet
Current team start lists can be found here
It's nailbiting stuff making your Olympic debut for the German team - Julia Krajewski and Samourai du Thot
