Saudi showjumper Khaled Al Eid’s ride Presley Boy has developed colic and laminitis and is in intensive care in Belgium.
A spokesman for Saudi Equestrian said: “During the night of 5 July, Presley Boy began showing symptoms of being unwell, and in the early hours of 6 July he was diagnosed with subacute colic with endotoxemia, which was followed by an acute phase of laminitis.
“Presley Boy was immediately transferred to an equine hospital nearby, where he is currently in intensive care and being monitored around the clock.”
Khaled Abdulaziz Al Eid and Abdullah Waleed Sharbatly were suspended by an FEI tribunal on 23 May, after their horses tested positive for bute – a controlled medication – at separate shows
But on 11 June the International Court for Arbitration of Sport reduced the bans to two months, meaning they could compete at the Olympics.
The Saudis released their Olympic team yesterday but said Al Eid and Presley Boy had not been certainties for the team as they were not “match fit” due to their recent suspension from international competition.
The Saudi showjumping team for London is:
- Ramzy Al Duhami with Bayard van de Villa Theresia
- HRH Prince Abdullah Al Saud with Davos
- Abdullah Al Sharbatly and Sultan
- Kamal Bahamdan with Delphi
