Simon Delestre is out of the Olympics due to an injury to his selected ride.
The world number two revealed the disappointing news on his Facebook page this afternoon (10 August).
“It’s with deepest regret that I announce the forfeit of Ryan for the Olympic Games,” he said.
“Last exams have revealed a micro-fracture of the hock. An unfortunate injury that ends all my Olympic dreams, and those of Ryan’s family but our priority is his health.
“All team will take prior care of him so that he comes back in perfect shape for the next major events.
“I’ll support my teammates of the France team along their way through these Olympic Games.”
The combination would have been among the favourites to win a medal.
They won individual bronze at the European championships in Aachen last year and have had two runner-up spots on the Longines Global Champions Tour this season.
The horse had arrived safely in Rio, but is believed to have picked up the injury in the stable.
“Ryan had a wrong move yesterday in his stable,” Simon said today.
“He is closely followed by the vet team. His condition has already well improved during the last 24 hours.
“We will do more exams today, but we sure won’t take any risk for his health. Thank you for the support you show me and Ryan.”
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Simon and the 11-year-old gelding will be replaced by France’s travelling reserve Philippe Rozier, riding Rahotep De Toscane.
This will be Philippe’s third Olympics and his first for 16 years, having previously ridden at Los Angeles 1984 and Sydney 2000. Rio 2016 will be the 11-year-old grey stallion’s first senior championship.
