Michael Whitaker’s horse, Portofino, has been withdrawn from the British team for Olympic show jumping competition, along with two other horses. Alvaro Mirando Neto of Brazil withdrew Ad Picolien, and Daniel Meech of New Zealand withdrew Sorbas.
Of the 87 horses presented at the horse inspection on Aug. 14, all passed.
Whitaker isn’t sure exactly what’s wrong with Portofino, a 14-year-old mare. “She’s still lame,” he said. “She was very sound when she came and for five days, and then she went lame. Now that she’s definitely out, we’ll try to get to the bottom of it.”
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He will be replaced by Nick Skelton and Russel. “It’s obviously a major disappointment,” said team manager Derek Ricketts. “We selected a reserve, and a reserve is for instances like this. I’m sure Nick will step into place and do his absolute most for the team.”
Kirk Webby, whose home base is in the United States, will replace Meech aboard Sitah.
