Tom Jackson has been ruled out of the British squad for the Longines FEI European Eventing Championships at Blair Castle (10-13 September) after a setback to his horse Waltham Fiddlers Find.
The partnership has been replaced by Wills Oakden and Greystone Midnight Melody.
It was revealed today (Thursday, 27 August) that Waltham Fiddlers Find, owned by Tom and his parents Ian and Sara Jackson, has had a “slight setback” that prevents him competing.
“As always we have ups and downs in the sport,” said Team GBR eventing performance manager Yogi Breisner.
“It’s very sad that Tom’s horse has been found not fit enough to be going.
“He is a young and very talented rider with a horse we’re very excited about for the future, which is another reason we didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks.”
Tom had been a late call-up from reserve, replacing Flora Harris and Bayano.
Flora and Bayano, owned by her mother Caroline and Rebecca Salt, were selected for the championship following their win in the CCI3* at Bramham in June. However, the pair had three run-outs across country in the Nations Cup in Aachen earlier this month.
“All selected athlete/horse combinations are required to maintain their performance and fitness ahead of a championship,” read a statement at the time.
Following the withdrawal of Waltham Fiddlers Find, the eventing senior selectors have therefore called up the next named reserve — 25-year-old Wills Oakden.
He will compete his 12-year-old British-bred mare, Greystone Midnight Melody, owned by David Kenwright and Sylvia Douglas.
Wills joins the existing British eventing squad of Laura Collect (Grand Manoeuvre), Dani Evans (Smart Time), WIlliam Fox-Pitt (Bay My Hero), Pippa Funnell (Sandman 7), Kitty King (Persimmon), Gemma Tattersall (Arctic Soul), Izzy Taylor (Briarlands Matilda), Oliver Townend (Fenyas Elegance), Francis Whittington (Easy Target) and Nicola Wilson (One Two Many) and Holly Woodhead (DHI Lupison) at the competition at Blair Castle.
