GB trio through to Team Showjumping Qualifier as Scott Brash withdraws Jefferson

While all team GB showjumpers made it through today’s horse inspection for Friday’s highly anticipated Team Showjumping Qualifier in Tokyo, there was a change in athlete and horse rota prior to the presentation. Harry Charles and Romeo 88 will compete once again, this time replacing Scott Brash and Jefferson.

The pre-competition change was made in accordance with the FEI Regulations for Equestrian Events at the Olympic Games (article 609). Following his individual Gold earlier this week, Ben Maher and Explosion W look set to take on the next stage of the Olympic Showjumping schedule, alongside Holly Smith and Denver.

Jefferson, owned by Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham, has been withdrawn from competition after a minor strain while jumping the individual final.

Equestrian Team Leader Richard Waygood commented;

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In consultation with Scott, his valued owners and our team vet, we’ve decided it’s in the horse’s best interests to withdraw from the competition as a preventative measure to avoid a more serious injury. While disappointing for Scott and his connections, the team is still a strong proposition ahead of Friday’s team competition and we thank Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham for their support at these Games and to the sport. Ben and Holly were always going to be in our team line up and it’s great to bring Harry into the trio at his first Games.”

The final line-up

The following three riders will represent Great Britain during the Team Showjumping Qualifier and Final.

Harry Charles (22) based in Alton, Hampshire, with Ann Thompson and his own Romeo 88 (bay, gelding, 17hh, 12yrs, Contact van de Heffinck x Orlando, Breeder: Picobello Horses BEL, Groom: Georgia Ellwood)

Ben Maher (38) based in Bishop Stortford, Hertfordshire, with Charlotte Rossetter, Pamela Wright and his own Explosion W (chestnut, gelding, 16.1hh, 12yrs, Chacco-Blue x Baloubet de Rouet, Breeder: W Wijnen NED, Groom: Cormac Kenny)

Holly Smith (30) based in Loughborough, Leicestershire, with Ian Dowie’s Denver (bay, gelding, 17.1hh, 13yrs, Albfueheren’s Memphis x Chico’s Boy, Breeder: MG and AA Woertman NED, Groom: Kate Dodd)

Looking ahead

The competition will begin, local time, at 17:00 with Great Britain 14th to go in the line up which features 19 countries. The best 10 teams will qualify to go forward to the Team Jumping Final on Saturday.

All horses presented at the second Horse Inspection were accepted to go ahead to tomorrow’s qualifier, including McLain Ward who will be replacing Kent Farrington (USA). Pieter Devos will replace Belguim’s Niels Bruynseels while Cian O’Connor’s withdrawal for Ireland will see Shane Sweetnam compete instead.

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