Michael Whitaker’s Horse Lame
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
The British Olympic Association (BOA) and the British Olympic Equestrian Team have decided to withdraw horse number 329 PORTOFINO 63, ridden by Michael Whitaker, from the Show Jumping competition due to lameness.
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 mare owned by Gillespie Equestrian, 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.
The reserve horse, Russel, ridden by Nick Skelton, now comes into the squad of four. Owned by Lisa Hales, Russel is a 16.2hh grey stallion.
