Tokyo 2020 Eventing First Horse Inspection Results
The Tokyo 2020 eventing first horse inspection results are in, leaving some riders out of medal contention before the Games begin.
Presenting on the morning of 29th July, 64 combinations took to the trot up to declare their horses fit for competition. Under the increasing humidity at Baji Koen Equestrian Park, nerves also rose as the Ground Jury inspected the horses.
Out of the 64 horses, two horses were sent to the holding box for further inspection.
Pawel Spisak, from Team Poland was first to be called to the holding box with gelding, Banderas. The 14-year-old Oldenburg was previously held in the Rio 2016 Olympics, as well as the 2017 European Championships in Strzegom. However, he and Pawel, for whom this would have been a fourth Olympics, have bounced back since, winning twice at CCI4* level in 2019. On this occasion, Pawel and Banderas did not pass a second inspection. The Polish reserve combination of Jan Kaminski with ride, Jard have been called up to compete.
Lauren Billys’ ride, Castle Larchfield Purdy, for Team Puerto Rico was also called to the holding box. However, upon second inspection the duo were declared
Meanwhile, just moments before the trot up commenced, Team Canada’s Jessica Phoenix and gelding, Pavarotti, voluntarily withdrew from competition. The 19-year-old, Team Bronze Pam-Am Games CCI-3* horse is believed to have sustained a minor injury on Tuesday (27 July), during a final training session in Tokyo.
Jessica announced the news on social media, explaining;
Today we have made the heartbreaking decision to withdraw Pavarotti from the Tokyo Olympics due to a minor injury sustained on our last gallop.
“While I’m devastated that Rotti will not get to compete and show his talent on the world stage, I’m thankful that he’ll be back to his usual self soon. I’m blessed that our Canadian riders are a tight group of supportive teammates who rally around each other in our times of need.”
“Thank you everyone for your support during this challenging time and we look forward to cheering on Colleen Loach and her incredible horse Qorry Blue d’Argouges. Let’s Go Canada!”
Team GB Eventing First Horse Inspection
Team GB Eventing passed their first horse inspection with flying colours.
All four British horses passed safely through the Tokyo Olympics trot-up, which took place this morning (29 July) at the Equestrian Park in Tokyo.
The combinations going forward to compete for Team GB are;
- Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class
- Laura Collett and London 52
- Tom McEwen and Toledo De Kerser
Ros Canter and Allstar B remain as Team GB’s travelling reserve.
For the Team GB start times and how to watch, click here.
Header Image; Ros Canter and Allstar B (FEI/Christophe Taniere)
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