Shortly after putting the United States on the podium Thursday, April 18, in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final, Chromatic BF collapsed and died in the stabling area, the Fédération Equestre Internationale has announced.
“Chromatic BF had returned to the stables after competition on the evening of 18 April and later unexpectedly collapsed. He was immediately attended to by the U.S. Equestrian veterinary staff and FEI veterinarians but was unable to be resuscitated,” stated a release from the FEI.
The 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Connor—Sonnengirl B, Concept), owned by breeder KC Branscomb and Branscomb Farms LLC, earlier in the evening had finished third in the second round of the jumping competition, which is being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With rider Jill Humphrey, he posted a time of 48.36 seconds in a seven-horse jump-off to claim a podium spot along with the Swedish teams of Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward (43.38) and Peder Fredricson and Catch Me Not S (45.45).
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The pair finished 12th on Wednesday and were sitting in fifth place in the overall standings.
In line with the FEI veterinary regulations, samples have already been taken from the horse, and a full postmortem in line with FEI protocols will be conducted, the FEI said.
“US Equestrian sends its sincerest condolences to Jill Humphrey, KC Branscomb, Branscomb Farm LLC, his groom Pepe Rodriguez, and all Chromatic BF’s connections,” stated a release from the U.S. Equestrian Federation.
