British Show Jumper Lame, Withdrawn from Competition

Portofino 63 will not have many fond memories of the Hong Kong equestrian games.

The British Olympic Association (BOA) and the British Olympic Equestrian Team have decided to withdraw her for veterinary reasons.

Ridden by Michael Whitaker, Portofino is bothered by a lameness problem. The team veterinarian has carried out an extensive investigation but as yet has been unable to target the source of the problem.

Portofino 63, a 16.3hh, 14-year-old bay Dutch mare, was sound during pre-export quarantine in the UK and on arrival in Hong Kong but has developed a problem in the last 48 hours. It has been decided in the horse’s best interests to withdraw her before the Horse Inspection for show jumping, which takes place tomorrow morning.

Portofino was bought from the United States specifically with an eye to representing Great Britain in FEI-level competition.

The reserve horse, Russel, ridden by Nick Skelton, now comes into the squad of four. Owned by Lisa Hales, Russel is a 16.2hh gray Holsteiner stallion.