Lexington, Ky.—Sept. 29

There will be four fewer horses starting the eventing competition at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games today.

The field of 84 starters reduced to 80 after U.S.-based Mexican rider Escipion Mendivil’s horse Azteca was spun. Mendivil, who was slated to compete as an individual, was the last rider of the day to present, and the ground jury failed to accept his 12-year-old Thoroughbred gelding after seeing it jog twice.

Kim Severson of the United States did not present Tipperary Liadhnan. The 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse was scratched this morning after it became apparent that the cellulitis he’s been battling, which had been improving daily according to team Chef d’Equipe Mark Phillips, was not going to improve enough to compete.

“It took a dramatic turn for the worse on Tuesday morning, which was 24 hours too late to make a substitution to the team,” Phillips said. “We have had not only our team vet, Dr. Brendan Furlong, but also the best veterinary expertise available in Lexington working with the horse. No one can determine why there was such a dramatic downturn.

“The selectors and the USEF felt that having Tipperary Liadhnan on the squad was our very best chance to win a team medal, and that was and still is our priority,” he added. “In the best interest of the horse’s welfare, we made the difficult decision not to run him.”

U.S. officials will now pick one of their individual riders, Karen O’Connor (Mandiba) or Becky Holder (Courageous Comet) to fill the spot on the team.

In addition, Ronald Zabala did not present Mr. Wiseguy for Ecuador, and French rider Lionel Guyon did not present Metisse de Lalou.

Kilpatrick River, Irish rider Elizabeth Powers’ horse, was injured while exercising at the Kentucky Horse Park on Monday, Sept. 20 and was withdrawn from competition last week.