Two of Britain’s star horses out of the Games

Two British horses have been ruled out of next month’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy.

Billy Beware

Pippa Funnell’s homebred Billy Beware has been withdrawn from the squad after showing ‘signs of lameness’.

The 10-year-old gelding, who is owned by Jonathan and Jane Clarke, was selected following his sixth place at this year’s Badminton.

A statement realeased from the British Equestrian Federation today confirmed that the lameness was ‘still being investigated’ but that so far, the scans have been clear.

Replacements

Commenting on the news,Yogi Breisner, Eventing Chef d’Equipe said: “It is always unfortunate when a squad member has to pull out, but Billy Beware is a very promising horse and I am looking forward to seeing him back competing in the future.”

This disappointing news for Pippa Funnell comes just a few weeks after the announcement that Allercombe Ellie, the ride of Izzy Taylor, has also been ruled out of the squad for WEG.

Their replacements will be announced in the coming weeks.

No Star

In another blow from Britain’s medal hopes, Nick Skelton’s ride Big Star has been ruled out of selection for the Games after a recurring suspensory problem.

Skelton hopes that his Olympic partner – who was so unlucky not to win individual gold at London 2012 – will have another crack at a medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

While the British Showjumping team is yet to be confirmed, it is likely to feature world number one and two in Scott Brash and Ben Maher.

But the absence of Nick and Big Star does mean that Team GB’s hope of completing the hat-trick of Olympic, European and World team gold medals is now looking a somewhat more difficult task.

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