All riders and horses who fell or were unseated in the Olympic cross-country phase at Greenwich are fine this morning, Olympic spokesman Julian Seaman has told Horse & Hound.
Although Canadian Hawley Bennet-Awad is in hospital with concussion and a sacral fracture.
Fifteen riders were disqualified on the course: one (Brazilian Serguei Fofanoff and Barbara) for having three refusals, there were three horse falls – including Clayton Fredericks and Bendigo – and the rest were unseated riders.
And it’s bad news for the Canadians his morning.
Hawley, who fell at fence three riding Gin & Juice, is still in hospital and Michelle Mueller’s horse Amistad has been withdrawn from the Olympics and will be retired from competition, despite finishing.
“Hawley suffered a concussion, which is improving significantly,” said Mike Gallagher, president of Equine Canada.
“She also suffered a stable sacral fracture and was transported to hospital by ambulance and admitted for observation and pain management. We will continue to monitor her progress.”
And Michelle said: “After conferring with the Canadian team vet, Amistad will be withdrawn from the Olympic competition due to a torn tendon and will be retired from competing.”
Michelle and Amistad completed the Olympic course with one stop and 43.2 time-penalties.
Horse Sport Ireland has also given an update of the condition of Camilla Speirs’ horse Portersize Just a Jif, who was one of the fallers on the cross-country.
“The horse sustained some bruising to his ribs and chest during the fall. He has been under observation at the Olympic Venue Veterinary Clinic during the night and this morning was comfortable,” said team vet Marcus Swail.
“He is moving to another veterinary clinic off site today for a few more days of observation just to make absolutely sure that he’s fine.”
He said Camilla is also fine after the fall.
Don’t miss H&H’s full report of the Olympic eventing, in the issue on sale FRIDAY 3 August – 23-page special report, with comments from Ruth Edge, Pippa Funnell and Mark Phillips, pictures of every cross-country fence, stunning photos and full analysis.
