Tokyo 2020 Dressage Withdrawals

The Tokyo 2020 Dressage withdrawals have left some riders out of medal contention before the Games even begin.

There were 70 horses presenting at the Tokyo Olympics dressage trot-up. Out of the seventy, just two were sent to the holding box for further inspection.

By coincidence, the two horses sent for holding are ridden by husband and wife, Isabelle and and Carlos Pinto. Both horses were travelling reserves for different countries.

Isabelle was the French reserve, riding Hot Chocolat VD Kwaplas, a 14-year-old son of Sir Donnerhall. The horse was sent to the holding box, and later withdrawn.

Meanwhile, Carlos was the Portuguese reserve with grey, Lusitano gelding, Sultao Menezes. Carlos will trot-up his ride again tomorrow morning (24 July), prior to the grand prix.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes more withdrawals were announced.

Two days prior to trot-up qualification, South Africa’s Tanya Seymour pulled out of Tokyo 2020. Her horse, Ramoneur, suffered a debilitating case of laminitis, after travelling to the Olympic Park.

Sweden’s leading rider, Patrik Kittel was also forced to withdraw from Tokyo 2020, just a day before the trot up commenced.

Patrik’s horse, 13-year-old mare, Well Done De La Roche CMF sustained an injury in training while at the Olympic venue. Patrik explained;

Well Done tripped in yesterday’s training; a small injury prevents us from competing in the Tokyo Olympics. I am broken to the core [but] Welly will always come first,” said Patrik in a handwritten statement that he released today (22 July).

“I will now support my students and team friends, in the honour of representing Sweden.”

Team USA rider, Nick Wagman did not present at the trot up, meaning he was automatically disqualified from competition.

The 48-year-old, ranked 67th in the world for dressage, ruled his entry, Don John, out of competition after also sustaining injury during training at the Park.

Earlier today, Team USA released an official statement on the pair’s withdrawal from the Games. The statement read;

After arriving safely at the venue in Tokyo, Don John sustained a minor injury.”

“He has continued to show improvement, but after further evaluation with the team veterinarian, the decision was made to withdraw him before the start of competition out of extraordinary precaution, and though it is believed he would have passed the horse inspection if presented, the team felt that he should not be considered to compete to ensure he has the proper time to fully heal.”

Team GB Dressage Trot Up

Team GB passed their dressage trot up with flying colours.

All four British horses passed safely through the Tokyo Olympics dressage trot-up, which took place this morning (23 July) at the Equestrian Park in Tokyo.

However, tension arises a Team GB debutant, Lottie Fry did not present in her allocated spot among the other British horses. Instead, Everdale came forward at the end of the order due to concerns about his unpredictable behaviour. However, he was presented without an incident by owner Gertjan Van Olst.

Charlotte Dujardin’s Gio, Carl Hester’s En Vogue and alternate Gareth Hughes’ Sintano Van Hof Olympia were all accepted too, appearing relaxed and on good form.

Header Image; Tokyo 2020 – 1st Dressage Horse Inspection at Baji Koen Equestrian Park, Tokyo (JPN) – Lyle Adrienne (USA) ride, Salvino (FEI/Christophe Taniere)

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Tokyo 2020 Dressage Withdrawals